Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has announced he will retire from tennis after this year’s French Open. The former world number five will call time on his impressive career at the age of 36 and after 18 years on the tour.
The Frenchman took to Twitter to inform fans of the news and revealed he will elaborate on his decision at the upcoming Monte-Carlo Masters. “It is with great emotion that I announce today my decision to end my professional career at the next tournament of @rolandgarros,” he said.
“So many incredible moments, of joy shared with an audience that has given me so much… still hoping for one last thrill with you! More to come at my press conference this weekend during the Monte-Carlo tournament.”
The Frenchman has struggled with injuries in recent years and in February, he claimed just his second win since 2019. He missed the entire 2020 season with a back injury and only made nine appearances on the tour in 2021.
In a video posted to YouTube, Tsonga added: "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. I hope that I will stay in shape before and be able to be who I always have been at this tournament.”
At the age of 23, Tsonga reached his lone grand slam final at the 2008 Australian Open, losing to Novak Djokovic in four sets. He would go on to reach the semis on two separate occasions at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and made the last eight three times at the US Open.
One of Tsonga’s finest moments came in the quarter finals at the All England Club in 2011, as he rallied from two sets down to defeat Roger Federer 3-6, 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. He also helped France win the Davis Cup in 2017 and captured a silver medal in the men’s doubles at the 2012 Olympics.
