Emotional Jo-Wilfried Tsonga bows out as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer pay tribute

There were tears and tributes as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga played his last professional match on Tuesday, going down against Casper Ruud in the first round at his beloved Roland Garros.
Tsonga, who has struggled with injury the past few years, had announced earlier this year that the French Open would be his last tournament and it was always going to be an emotional affair on Court Philippe Chatrier.
He gave the French fans plenty to cheer about early on as he stunned Ruud by taking the opening set tie-breaker, but the eighth seed then hit back to win the second set tie-breaker before two breaks in the third set gave the Norwegian a two-set to one lead.
Just as it looked like he would take the match to a fifth set after taking a 6-5 lead, he was unable to serve as he struggled with a right-shoulder injury. He was broken back and called for the trainer, but then proceeded to lose the tie-breaker to eventually go down 6-7 (6-7), 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, 7-6 (7-0).
The curtain comes down @CasperRuud98 ends Tsonga's farewell tour with a 6-7(6), 7-6(4), 6-2, 7-6(0) opening round victory.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/jOA3HxObxG
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 24, 2022
A special on-court presentation took place in his honour after the match and French players, including Gael Monfils, Gilles Simon and Benoit Paire, attended.
❤️@tsonga7 I #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/2WepHadI0K
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 24, 2022
Tsonga finishes his career with 18 ATP Tour singles titles while he finished runner-up at the 2008 Australian Open and reached two semi-finals at Roland Garros and two at Wimbledon.
There was a special video played on the big screen as well as the Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer all paid tribute.
“Jo is one of the most charismatic tennis players ever to play the game,” world No 1 Djokovic said. “I was very happy to share the court with him many times. He brought a lot of positive attention and popularity to our sport, not just because of his dynamic game style, but also his charisma and personality – he has made his mark and legacy in our sport.”
Roger Federer said: “Congratulations for an enormous career, I took great pleasure to play against you, even to lose against you. We had some great battles all these years, we are going to miss you on the circuit.”
Rafael Nadal, meanwhile, praised the charismatic Frenchman.
“He is very charismatic. I’ve known him since we were kids. I think he brings a lot of positive things to our sport so I am sad to see him go,” the 21-time Grand Slam champion said.
Tsonga himself was thankful for being part of a great adventure.
“Today is a big day. A day that I say goodbye. I’d like to thank everyone that has come with me on this adventure,” the 37-year-old said.
“I had the luck and the opportunity to do all of this. It’s been amazing to be part of a wonderful generation of French players.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
One of Novak Djokovic’s most iconic rackets is up for sale – but will it break Roger Federer’s record?
Novak Djokovic’s 2016 French Open racket is up for grabs, but will it reach the same selling fee as Roger Federer’s collection?
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic makes French Open admission about potential last Rafael Nadal showdown
Novak Djokovic has discussed the prospect of playing his last match against Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal looks set to play Australian Open as travel plans revealed in big comeback update
Rafael Nadal’s travel plans ahead of the 2024 season have been finalised, according to a report.
-
Tennis News
‘Jannik Sinner is a millimetre from Novak Djokovic – Nole fears him’, claims Slam winner
A French Open winner thinks Jannik Sinner has almost reached Novak Djokovic’s level.
-
News
Why the return of Sky Sports will provide a massive profile boost for tennis in the UK
Kevin Palmer explains why the return of tennis to Sky Sports will be good for the sport in the UK and Ireland.
-
Tennis News
Boris Becker highlights four young ATP stars ‘you will hear a lot from in the coming year’
Boris Becker has named the four leading young ATP players.
-
News
ITIA confirms Novak Djokovic did not refuse doping test at Davis Cup Finals
The ITIA has explained why Novak Djokovic did not break anti-doping protocol at the Davis Cup Finals.
-
Tennis News
WATCH: ‘Terrible singer’ Leylah Fernandez’s hilarious karaoke version of Journey classic
Have fun listening to Leylah Fernandez ‘signing’ Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’.
-
Tennis Features
The 13 WTA players whose last title was remarkably a Grand Slam: Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu and more…
There are four active players whose last title was a Grand Slam.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner underlines Darren Cahill’s key contribution to his sensational growth
Jannik Sinner praises Darren Cahill for giving him confidence.