Melbourne - Australian Open organizers were breathing a sigh of relief after 2008 finalist Jo-Wilfriend Tsonga declared himself fit enough to play after a back injury scare.

"I'm feeling much better than the previous days and excited to go out there," said the fifth seed. "I was very worried because it's the kind of injury that you never know when it stops."

Tsong withdrew due to the back problem before his Sydney quarter- final with Jarkko Nieminen. Doctors had told him he needed rest, but the fighting Frenchman made his recovery in just a few days.

Tournament officials aided the cause with a Tuesday start, when Tsonga begins against Argentine Juan Monaco. (dpa)