'Nothing to lose' - Tsonga upbeat ahead of Federer clash

French veteran Jo-Wilfried Tsonga believes he has nothing to lose against Roger Federer as he continues along the comeback trail in the second round of the ATP tournament in Halle this Thursday.

Tsonga, 34, missed seven months of last season due to knee surgery, but has shown solid form this month upon his return to grass court tennis for the first time since 2017.

After reaching the second round in Stuttgart last week, the Frenchman beat compatriot Benoit Paire in straight sets in Halle on Tuesday to set up a second round fixture with Federer on Thursday.

"It is always special to play Federer, I will give everything I've got," Tsonga told AFP.

"There is less pressure than usual, because there is no shame in losing to Roger Federer. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain."
"If we had played ten times, the roles would probably be reversed."
"It is a different situation now. I want to do well, but I coming back from a long way away."
"But I am happy, there have been no catastrophes. Physically, I am getting better and better each week."