French Tennis star, Jo Wilfred Tsonga announced his retirement from tennis last Wednesday. Many fans and players were sad over the retirement but 36-year-old Tsonga considers the limitations to completing at the highest level forced him to make the final decision. Novak Djokovic appreciated Tsonga for his abilities and charisma.  

Novak Djokovic’s take on Jo Wilfred Tsonga’s retirement

While in a press conference at Monte Carlo, the Serbian star said, “He (Tsonga) has a lot of charisma and positive energy. Jo has been one of the coolest players we’ve had on the circuit for the past 20 years. He was very important for our sport.” (Translation via Google Translate)

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Former World No. 5 Tsonga announced his retirement on a YouTube video. He was emotional announcing his retirement and also expressed his desire to play in French open before finally hanging his shoes. He is currently ranked 254 in the world and will seek “wild card” entry from the Organizers to participate in the tournament.

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Commenting on his “limitations”, Tsonga said, “My head tells me, ‘but you can play all your life,’ and at the same time, your body reminds you that your ability to surpass yourself is no longer there.”

Home hope, Tsonga has been a loved athlete at Roland Garros. He reached the French Open semifinals twice in his career, falling to David Ferrer in 2013 and then against Stan Wawrinka in 2015. He also reached the Australian Open final in 2008. The Frenchman beat Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal en route to his title clash in Melbourne.

Jo Wilfred Tsonga helped France clinch its first Davis Cup in 2017 and Hopman Cup in 2014. The Frenchman will be playing in the 15th French Open of his long career. The organizers of the French Open have already expressed their excitement to host their local hero for one last time on Parisian clay.

Tsonga vs the ‘Big 3’

Tsonga is one of few players who has defeated each member of the ‘big 3’ at least four times in his 18-year long career. A combined 16 wins against Roger Federer (6), Novak Djokovic (6), and Rafael Nadal (4) is a really commendable feat.

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Known for his aggressive playing style and modern hairstyles, Tsonga will defiantly be missed by the tennis world. Fans will be flooding in for their local hero at this year’s French Open. Roland Garros will get underway on May 22nd.