One of France’s greatest tennis players bid the sport adieu in an emotional moment at the French Open

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Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France cries as him retires during his match against Casper Ruud of Norway during the 2022 French Open at Roland Garros

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.Getty/Antonio Borga

  • Jo-Wilfried Tsonga explained an emotional goodbye to tennis on Tuesday.

  • He retired from the activity right after shedding in the to start with round of the French Open.

  • “Thank you tennis, I adore you,” said the Frenchman.

French tennis star Jo-Wilfried Tsonga cried and claimed he “could not have questioned” for a better mail-off, as he stated an psychological farewell to the sport at Roland Garros.

Tsonga, 37, introduced very last thirty day period that he was to retire from tennis immediately after the French Open up.

He misplaced 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, 7-6 (7-) in the to start with spherical to Norwegian youngster Casper Ruud on Tuesday.

“It was pure insanity these days. Just one of the ideal atmospheres I have found in my occupation, and it really is my past match,” claimed Tsonga.

“I could not have questioned for something much better. I couldn’t have requested for a improved script, apart from the reality that I could have gained.”

 

Tsonga has been plagued by injuries in current several years, missing almost the whole 2020 year with a again challenge, and he struggled yet again versus Ruud, this time with his shoulder.

He could have retired from the match pursuing a health-related timeout in established 4, nevertheless the Frenchman opted to participate in on, considerably to the delight of the crowd, which rose to its feet for a rendition of La Marseillaise, the French countrywide anthem, as the veteran star signaled he was heading to go on.

When he finally, dropped, Tsonga fell to his knees, in advance of mates, relatives, and fellow gamers collected all-around him on the court to watch a online video tribute of his profession highlights.

In the video, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer all sent their properly-needs.

“I actually appreciated it. They are all very satisfied, because I lastly managed to cry,” said Tsonga. “It is a moment that is going to be in my memory, but it’s so fast when you might be in it.

“It truly is tough to live the instant that you might be residing. My eyes had been all over the spot. I did not seriously know the place to go. When I observe the photographs once more afterwards I will be incredibly moved.”

He added that he now plans to devote time with his loved ones.

“I’ve experienced incredible days and some that have not been so great,” he reported. “I am now standing in front of you with out my racquet, together with my best friends of 30 yrs.

“My family members are now my precedence. Thank you tennis. I love you.”

Tsonga received 18 titles in the course of his career. He also created it to the semifinals twice at the two the French Open and Wimbledon, as effectively as the ultimate of the 2008 Australian Open up.

Read through the primary posting on Insider

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