Jo-Wilfried Tsonga isn’t playing favourites at the Australian Open. He beat No. 9 Andy Murray of Britain in the first round and added No. 8, French compatriot, doubles partner and good friend Richard Gasquet to his tournament total in the fourth round. Tsonga, 21, and Gasquet, 22, came up through the French junior system together and remain close. Gasquet said the friendship is put on hold during the match. “It’s never easy, but it’s OK when you are on the court, it’s over,” he says. Nalbandian’s six-year streak endsDavid Nalbandian will miss the fourth round of an Australian Open for the first time since 2002. No. 10 Nalbandian, one of the pre-tournament favorites, looked outclassed by Spanish No. 22 Juan Carlos Ferrero. “He played better than me. That’s it. Not a big deal,” said Nalbandian. Return of the Seles’ forehandThe double-handed forehand-backhand combination made famous by Monica Seles could be on the way back. Hsieh Su-wei used it to great effect this week to become the first Taiwanese player to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam. “Players from Asia, they all play the same way. Very talented, good hands, like Seles had in the past,” Henin said. “I think we’re going to see this kind of game more often. With the Olympic Games, they’re all coming pretty strong,” said Henin.
