Tsonga, ranked 38th coming into his fifth major, will move up to No. 18 after advancing past the fourth round for the first time.

He was aiming to be the first Frenchman in 80 years to win the Australian title and the first to win any of the four Grand Slams since Yannick Noah’s win at Roland Garros in 1983.

Tsonga believes he has the game to break into the top 10.

“Not everybody can beat players who I beat,” he said. “It’s very difficult, and I did it, so of course, I’m confident now.”

Rod Laver Arena was packed and awash in red, white and blue, the national colors of both countries, but there was little doubt that the rowdy crowd’s loyalties were with underdog Tsonga, who has delighted fans with his ebullient personality and go-for-broke style.

A portrait of Ali, a racket sketched in one hand, was taped to the stadium wall. Tsonga sprinted onto the court for warmups ahead of the match.

Tsonga picked up his game when it appeared the first set was headed for a tiebreaker. He blasted three aces to take a 5-4 lead, then came up with two great shots to break Djokovic.

Serving at 30-30, Djokovic had an easy overhead, but didn’t do enough with it. Tsonga ripped a forehand crosscourt passing shot for a winner, then raised his racket and roared with the crowd.

Another good forehand winner finished off the set, and Tsonga went down on one knee to pump his fist before dancing over to his chair to a standing ovation.

Djokovic refused to crumble. He never faced a break point in the second and third sets, yielding only 10 points in his nine service games.

Djokovic said he planned to spend a couple of weeks off to enjoy the celebrations.

“It’s my first major, but it’s just the start of a long season,” he said.

MORE FROM TENNIS

Tennis Section Front

Focus on the man Agassi has become   Andre Agassi: ‘I was depressed’ Safin says Agassi should give titles, money back   Live vote: Should Agassi return his titles and money? Safin bids farewell to tennis in Paris Del Potro ends Marat Safin's career in Paris Gasquet gives cocaine-kiss evidence to CAS hearing   Video: Djokovic or del Potro will win ATP finale   Video: Nadal honored by French officials Interactive: Creating the perfect tennis player Tennis Section Front   Add Tennis headlines to your news reader: