Ward crashes out at Queen's

James Ward
12 April 2012

James Ward's dream run at the AEGON Championships was finally ended in the semi-finals by fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who will face Andy Murray for the title.

Ward, the British number two, is ranked 216 in the world and had reached the last four with the two biggest victories of his career - against Stanislas Wawrinka and defending champion Sam Querrey.

But Tsonga proved too strong, breaking Ward at the first opportunity and then coming from a break down in the second set to seal a 6-3 7-6 (8/6) victory.

Ward forced Tsonga to fight all the way for his victory, growing into the game after a nervy start had helped the Frenchman secure the early break.

Tsonga moved 3-0 up with some heavy serving but Ward finally got on the board, firing down two aces out wide. Ward earned two break points in the next game but Tsonga's powerful serve got him out of trouble on both occasions and he went on to clinch the opening set.

Tsonga was on the front foot and worked himself two break points in Ward's first service game but he wasted both, sending a forehand wide before being denied by the net cord.

Ward held and then went 15-40 up after two double faults from Tsonga, who conceded the break of serve with a limp return into the net.

The centre court at Queen's had been muted but they were right behind Ward, who held his serve and then moved 3-0 up in the set but with Ward serving for a 5-2 lead, Tsonga found his way back into the set. Ward saved the first break point but Tsonga put away the second with an overhead to get back on serve.

There were few baseline rallies in a match dominated by two powerful servers and the set raced to a tie-break.

The Brit saved match point at 5-6 and then turned the tables to earn one of his own - but Tsonga saved with a strong second serve down the middle and then wrapped up the win 8-6 in the tie-break.

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