Novak Djokovic is all set to strike his racquet hard across the clay court in Paris. He is gearing up for the French Open with all his zeal and enthusiasm after claiming the Italian Open title. Talking in a press conference, world no. 1 showered praises on his French tennis player, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, with whom his history goes a long way back.
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A reminiscent farewell for an old friend
Novak Djokovic reminisced about the old days when he played against Tsonga on the court. He had nothing but praises for the player when asked about Tsonga’s last major at the French Open before he retires.
Novak Djokovic said, “I wish him the best possible farewell to tennis that he can imagine and I am sure there is going to be a lot of support for him on the center court. It is going to be very emotional for him and, of course, all the French crowd watching him play.” Tsonga would play 8th-seeded Casper Ruud in the first round. World no. 1 was all praises for the French player Tsonga.
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Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France plays a forehand return during his match against Lucas Pouille of France during day five of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 14, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic looked back to the finals with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Djokovic reminisced about the days back in 2008, when they played finals at the Australian Open in which Novak Djokovic came out victorious. The Serbian player said, “Over the years, he has been one of the most charismatic, energetic tennis players out there, just a lot of power. When he was at his best, he was constantly top 10 of the world playing finals against me in my first grand slam.”
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“It was his first grand slam as well in Australia, so we go back a long time. I know Jo very well, a little bit from the junior days,” he added.
An asset to the sport- Tsonga
He concluded by saying, “We always got along very well. Tons of respect for him, great guy and he brought a lot of attention, positive attention to the sport with the way he was behaving and he was playing, I think he can be very proud of everything that he has achieved and left behind in the sport.”
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The French player received a lot of praises from the incumbent world no. 1 player. The H2H series of the player is in favor of Novak Djokovic, by the ratio of 17-6. Tsonga’s career-high rank has been world no. 5 and has won 18 titles during his career. The player has been an inspiration to a lot.
Do you think Tsonga can bring out his best form at the French Open? What are your favorite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga moments? Let us know in the comments below!
Written by
Edited by
Arunaditya Aima