My expectations for Tsonga at the Aussie open is a Quarter Final finish. My expectations for him this season is to finish top 8, and win a few small titles. Not much different from your expectations, so if i have too high expectations for him, you guys must have too.
I said he's a darkhorse because there is always a question mark over him. I would certainly say he's dangerous when he's on form, but not when he isn't. I said that he's a darkhorse if he plays well, and i don't see why not. If he's not playing well, then yeah, he's not a darkhorse.
And, when did i ever say he was a top player? The top players are Djokovic, Murray, Federer and maybe Nadal depending on his return. When have i said that Tsonga is as good as them normally? I said, on Peak form he's as good as them, which obviously he doesn't show every match. Tsonga is a top 8 player, and thats the way i see him. If you don't think he's a top 8 player then name 8 players who are better than him? I'm not expecting Jo to become top 4 or win a slam, i expect him to maintain his top 8 position, albeit with better performances than most of last year.
Jo's main problems are that he's got glaring weaknesses in his BH & ROS. They are only reliable when he's on top form, but most of the time they are not. Thats why Rasheed has been brought in. To work on those weaknesses and make them adaquet, and so far from what i've seen, he's improved in those areas. As for his normal level, it's hard to say really, because he's so up and down. I don't think anyone can pin point Jo's normal level tbh.
Your saying that i over-rate him just because i say that when he plays at his peak form, he can beat almost anybody, which is true. Juts ask Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, Murray etc... He's beaten all 4 of them. In general, i rate him a little bit higher than you unless you think he's not a top 10 player. In which case, name 10 players who are better than Tsonga?
Right now, he's the 8th best player in tennis imo. I think the 7 ranked higher than him are better players overall. Where would you place him?