The world number two needed to win his final match to join Roger Federer and David Ferrer in the semi-finals, but bowed after a 7-6 (7-2), 4-6, 6-3 defeat.
Right from the first point, it was clear Tsonga would try to keep Nadal at bay by serve-volleying whenever possible, and it worked a treat.
Tsonga was never threatened on his own serve, but failed to convert the break points that fell his way.
However, a brilliantly-cushioned volley in the tie-break gave the Frenchman his chance, and he fired down an ace to take the first set.
Nadal fought back in the second set, and in the 10th game had three set points on Tsonga's serve. He spurned them all, only to secure a fourth, which he grabbed with both hands.
Crucially the often erratic Tsonga didn't lose his cool and he hit back quickly to earn three break points in the third game of the final set.
Nadal saved one but a miscued forehand on the second gave Tsonga the breakthrough.
Tsonga looked home and dry when he broke again to move 5-2 ahead, but double-faulted on break point as he tried to serve out the match.
That gave Nadal a glimmer of hope, which was swiftly snuffed out as Tsonga regained his composure to break for the last time, and set up a semi-final against the winner of Group A
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