It certainly seems like a fitting place for the Frenchman to bow out for the final time, with him enjoying countless successes in front of his home crowd over the years. He enjoyed runs to the semi-final of the tournament in 2013 and 2015.
The 37-year-old will end his tour career after 19 years not out. Due to his passionate, entertaining, and engaging style of play, he has long been a fan favorite, not only among French tennis lovers but also among the sport’s wider community.
Faced with the prospect of never playing a competitive match at his beloved Roland Garros again, Tsonga opened up about the special place that tournament holds in his heart.
"Roland Garros, I could almost tattoo it on my body. At 11-12 years, there I did my first practice lessons. I played the French competitions there until I was 14-16 years, before I trained there. I knew every corner of the old stadium. It's obviously symbolic to finish at the French Open."
"I'll try to do it like [in] my twenties, with the desire to fight. In France, I always feel at home. For tennis, I had to leave my family and my region very young, so I feel at home when I'm on French territory. I am very happy with what I've experienced through tennis and with what I've done. I'd prefer to have done even better, but I'm largely satisfied."
One thing is for sure, and that is that ‘Jo-Wilf’ will certainly be dearly missed by both fans and fellow professionals. Known for his bubbly personality in the dressing room, the Frenchman gained fans and friends wherever he went.
He has undoubtedly enjoyed a successful career, claiming 18 ATP Tour singles titles, 4 ATP Tour doubles titles, a Grand Slam final appearance (Australian Open 2008), a David Cup, and an Olympic silver medal (doubles, 2012).
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