'Gutted': Tennis fave's sad retirement decision before Roland Garros
French tennis icon and fan favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has announced his retirement from tennis at the conclusion of this year's Roland Garros.
The 36-year-old has long been a favourite with fas due to his athletic ability, power hitting and good humour on Tour.
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However the Frenchman has struggled with a number of injuries in recent years as he has been on-and-off the Tour.
Despite a brilliant career having won 18 ATP titles, he posted a 1-8 record in 2021.
But, wanting to go out on a high and in front of his home crowd, Tsonga has announced he will participate in his last Roland Garros before putting down in his racquet.
"My head tells me, 'But you can play all your life,' and at the same time your body reminds you that your abilities to surpass yourself are no longer there," Tsonga said in a video shared on social media.
"I hope that I will stay in shape before and be able to be who I always have been at this tournament," added Tsonga, referring to Roland Garros, which runs from May 22-June 5.
"The goal is to be myself, to be Jo-Wilfried Tsonga the tennis player... I have always set myself high goals to try to get what I can. For me, this will be the opportunity to do it one last time."
Tennis world pays tribute to Tsonga
Having won over countless fans for his energetic style on and off the court, the tennis world was quick to pay tribute to one of the French players that inspired a new generation of players.
Tsonga, 36, is set to become the first of a great French generation to retire. https://t.co/WgSx2t6V3V
β Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) April 6, 2022
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, best French men's player of this era, to retire after playing Roland Garros. Says been thinking about this every day for several years. Tsonga, soon to turn 37, reached 2008 @AusOpen final, two semis at @Wimbledon & @RolandGarros, won Davis Cup, reached No. 5 https://t.co/h26G2ALrbV
β Christopher Clarey πΊπΈ π«π· πͺπΈ (@christophclarey) April 6, 2022
Tsonga a powerful, dynamic force with one of the best serve-forehand combinations in the modern game. Long seemed clear he would win at least one major but the Big Four & his propensity for injuries scuttled that. But can hold head very high with 18 titles & 260 weeks in top 10 pic.twitter.com/CfBeTVYt8U
β Christopher Clarey πΊπΈ π«π· πͺπΈ (@christophclarey) April 6, 2022
Tsonga announces via lequipe that he will retire after the French Open 2022. Another player with knee problems.
One of the most energetic players of this generation imo https://t.co/NkgDPZmU2iβ Jannik Schneider (@schnejan) April 6, 2022
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga going to retire after next Roland-Garros π₯Ί https://t.co/JXJW8bMHzz
β We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) April 6, 2022
Tsonga is to retire after this years French Open!!
Gutted to hear Jo is retiring, he's another player that at his best he could beat the best!!
Unfortunately like many others he was playing in the Golden Era of tennis. Thank u for all the memories Jo, u will be missed!!ππ½β€π«π· https://t.co/SSt4xVSvpnβ ReggieπΊπ (@Reggie61823972) April 6, 2022
3x US Open quarterfinalist & 2003 junior champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will retire after @rolandgarros π pic.twitter.com/jEpH75HCB2
β US Open Tennis (@usopen) April 6, 2022
Tsonga finished runner-up at the Australian Open in 2008 and has reached another five Grand Slam semi-finals.
He has won 18 ATP titles, including two Masters 1000 tournaments, since turning professional in 2004 and also won an Olympic silver medal in doubles at the London Games in 2012.
with Reuters
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