Jo-Wilfried Tsonga bid an emotional farewell to tennis at his home Slam, the French Open.
With a vocal Court Philippe Chatrier crowd cheering him on that included close friend Gael Monfils, Tsonga fought valiantly against eighth seed Casper Ruud before the Norwegian prevailed 6-7(6), 7-6(4), 6-2, 7-6(0).
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As much as he wanted to thrill them with one last deep run, sharing that moment with the Parisians and fans watching throughout the world was rewarding enough.
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
The 37-year-old soaked in a standing ovation for his storied career that includes 18 ATP Tour titles, a runner-up showing at the 2008 Australian Open and a career-high of No. 5.
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With his family and children watching on court along with fellow French players Richard Gasquet, Benoit Paire and Monfils, he then took in a moving on-court ceremony that celebrated his career achievements.
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray all sent video messages for the ceremony that praised Tsonga as a player and person.
Dear @tsonga7,
Here's to you.
🧡 @andy_murray, @DjokerNole, @RafaelNadal and @rogerfederer#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/Qzc73u0zBl
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 24, 2022
Injuries limited Tsonga to just 16 tour-level events since the beginning of 2020, but he was able to draw on ample experience in big matches throughout his career.
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