Gasquet keeps French flag flying

Richard Gasquet kept the French flag flying in the men's draw today by sweeping aside compatriot Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time.

A meeting with fourth seed Andy Roddick now awaits the world number 14 after he triumphed 6-4 6-3 6-4 in what proved to be a battle of brains versus brawn on Court One.

The 21-year-old returned from a lengthy rain delay at the conclusion of the second set to close out victory with a typically stylish showing.

It was the wildcard who made an early statement of intent, however, breaking the 12th seed to love in the opening game of their fourth-round clash. with a terrific two-handed backhand.

But he was unable to maintain the momentum and the two-time Nottingham champion hit back immediately, aided by the net cord to take him to deuce.

Equally comfortable at the baseline or net, Tsonga's tennis far excelled that of his world number 110 ranking and he broke for a second time in the seventh with the deftest of volleys.

But reckless errors soon began to creep into his game - and Gasquet again broke back at the first attempt to level at 4-4 when his opponent overhit a forehand.

Gasquet's best showing at SW19 to date is the fourth round in 2005, but he moved a step closer to surpassing that record when two further fitful forehands from the All England Club debutant handed him three set points, the second of which he converted to take the opener.

The 21-year-old reeled off five straight games to break for a third consecutive time as the confidence began to drain from Tsonga.

Gasquet was far the more controlled, composed and consistent of the pair but a rare mistimed volley gave Tsonga a chance to break back.

The world number 14 was in less generous mood when a similar opportunity arose a point later and went on to hold.

And he sealed the second set in style, serving out to love after Tsonga could only net his serve to move within a set of victory.

Naturally, it would not be Wimbledon this year without a rain delay, and the weather duly delivered after 70 minutes to force the suspension of play.

They returned after one hour and 50 minutes with the show court looking noticeably more full.