Jo-Wilfried Tsonga overcomes Kevin Anderson

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has battled past Kevin Anderson in the second round of the Italian Open following two tie-breaks.

Tsonga, who overcame Alexandr Dolgopolov in the first round on Monday, emerged victorious 7-6(4) 7-6(5) following an enthralling contest with his South African opponent.

Anderson had three set points in the latter stages of the first set, but Tsonga held on to take the set into a tie-break.

Eight breaks of serve occurred in the early stages, but neither could be separated at 14-14.

It was the Frenchman that eventually secured the set, however, when he broke at 14-14 before serving it out after one hour and 21 minutes.

Both players held serve in the second and what proved to be final set as another tie-break occurred, but this time it was more straightforward for Tsonga, who secured the victory 7-5 with his third match point.