Soon, 37-year-old Jo-Wilfried Tsonga enjoyed almost two decades on the ATP Tour, but now his story has come to an end.
After winning three matches in qualifying, former world number five Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made his professional debut at the 2004 China Open. He has won 18 titles on the ATP Tour since then and also reached an Australian Open final and four Grand Slam semi-finals.
He got the closest to winning a major trophy in Melbourne in 2008, but eventually, Novak Djokovic proved to be just too good for the Frenchman, beating him 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(2).
After battling injuries for several years and playing only 18 matches (14 of which he lost) in the last three seasons, the Frenchman has decided that it is time to end his career, and he can't do it at any other tournament than Roland Garros, where he has twice reached the semi-finals.
He announced his retirement from professional tennis on social media, telling fans that he hopes to have 'one last thrill' with them as the French crowd is known for supporting their countrymen heavily, especially at the Roland Garros.
"It is with great emotion that I announce today my decision to stop my professional career at the next French Open. So many incredible moments, so much joy shared with a public that gave me a lot. Hoping for one last thrill with you!"
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will be remembered in the tennis world as one of the best players to never win a Grand Slam title and will leave many unforgettable memories for a lot of fans. He won 467 matches in his career and many times came close to winning the major title.
His biggest achievements will certainly remain those in the team competitions as he lifted the Davis Cup trophy in 2017 and also the Hopman Cup title in 2014. The Frenchman also has a silver medal from the 2012 London Olympics, and once he looks back at his career, it will surely be a positive memory.