Between tears and exhaustion of physical problems, the French Jo-Wilfried Tsonga37, closed nearly two decades of elite career with a defeat to Roland Garros first round before norwegian Casper Ruud (eighth in the world), who won by 6-7 (6), 7-6 (4), 6-2 and 7-6 (0) in three hours and 49 minutes.
Tsonga, who was number 5 in the world, finalist of the Australian Open in 2008, won at Davis in 2017 and won 18 ATP titles -including two Masters 1,000-, said goodbye with a defeat that sold the face witnessed by thousands Spectators. gathered on the main pitch at Roland Garros, Philippe Chatrier.
At the farewell ceremony, held on the pitch, along with other authorities, the new Minister of Sport of France, Amélie Oudea-Casterathe president of the French Tennis Federation, Gilles Moretonas well as his parents, wife and two daughters.
French tennis players of his generation also attended the recognition, as Richard Gasquet, Gael Monfils and Gilles Simon. And other younger ones, like Benjamin Bonzi or Benoit Paire.
A professional for 18 years, the Le Mans tennis player is currently number 220 in the world and has not won an ATP title since 2019.
“In my life I had to face those who told me I would never be worth it. I proved otherwise”he said while reading a prepared speech, which he tried to suppress his emotions.
Tsonga spoke about his complex relationship with the media, which he thanked for helping him mature. “One day he was a hero, another villain, another day he was a white man, another black son of a Congolese”inspired the tennis player, making sure that what changed his life the most was being a father.
The three greats of world tennis, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federerleft a recorded video message discussing Tsonga’s “charisma” and thanking him for the contribution he has made to the world of tennis.
In the tribute video presented by the French Federation, some of the beautiful moments of 1,002 matches on the Tsonga professional circuit, with his victories against the ‘big three’.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
