Tsonga, who won over the crowds with a contagious smile and a go-for-broke style, claimed a stunning win against Rafa Nadal in a 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 victory that carried him to his first Grand Slam final.

Feeding off the crowd's energy, even whipping it to a fever pitch like an orchestra conductor, the 38th-ranked Tsonga thrived under pressure, producing what he called his best performance ever.

"It's unbelievable, just amazing," the Frenchman said. "Nothing can stop me today. It's like a dream. I can't believe it's true. I was moving on the court like never I move. Everything was perfect.".... No arguments there. "I was playing fine," Rafa said. "He played unbelievable. Congratulate him."

Tsonga, who beat three top 12 players earlier in the tournament, had never gone beyond the fourth round in his four previous Grand Slams. Now, he will play the winner of Friday's semifinal between top-ranked Roger Federer and No. 3 Novak Djokovic.adal had just 12 unforced errors — four combined in the first two sets.

Tsonga smashed 17 aces against Rafa, one of the best serve returners. With the crowd cheering and often on its feet, Tsonga picked up volleys off his feet with a deft touch. Changing speed and spin, he slugged it out with Rafa from the baseline the way few can. And anytime he got close to trouble, his big serve bailed him out. "I can't believe some volleys," Rafa said. "I tried to play little bit slower. I tried to play a little bit faster. I tried to play more inside the court, behind the court. No chance. Not today."

Tsonga broke Rafa at love to finish off the first set, then reveled in the cheers, waving his arms to get the fans to yell even louder. "They give me lot of energy," he said. With Rafa serving at 3-4 in the second set, Tsonga set up break point with a lunging backhand volley that left him with his back facing the net, then raised a finger to indicate "One more." He smacked a blistering service return on the next point, then another stinging shot to set up an easy overhead. Serving for the set, Tsonga blasted two aces, then another serve that clipped the net and landed on the line. Rafa challenged the call, clearly unwilling to give Tsonga another chance — and for good reason. The call stood, and Tsonga rang up another ace.

Tsonga broke for the seventh time, then served for the match at 5-2, finishing it off with another ace. He looked stunned it was over, then jumped around the court in celebration.

Well done for Rafa, that was a great effort!