By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday April 6, 2022
Tennis is losing another legend as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga announces he'll step away from the game after Roland-Garros.
Photo Source: AP
By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday April 6, 2022
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, former World No.5, 2008 Australian Open finalist and 18-time ATP Tour title winner, has announced that he will end his career after Roland-Garros this spring.
“It is with great emotion that I announce today my decision to stop my professional career at the next French Open,” Tsonga posted on Instagram. “So many incredible moments, so much joy shared with a public that gave me a lot ... hoping for one last thrill with you!”
Tsonga, who has taken a wild card into next week’s Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, will be making his 15th appearance at Roland-Garros. The 36-year-old Frenchman has been severely limited by injuries over the last few seasons, and is currently ranked 220 in the world. He owns a current ATP record of 467-235.
The decision has been a long time coming, Tsonga said.
“It has been several years where every day there is at least one moment where I think: What am I doing? Why am I hurting myself like this?” Tsonga said. “My head tells me ‘You can play all your life’ but at the same time the body reminds you that your abilities to surpass yourself are no longer there.”
The Frenchman says he’ll do everything in his power to be in good form when Roland-Garros rolls around in the fourth week of May.
“I have always set myself high goals to try to get what I can,” said Tsonga. “For me, this will be the opportunity to do it one last time.”