Jo-Wilfried Tsonga announces retirement, will play final tournament at Roland Garros

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga announced on Wednesday that he will play his final tournament this spring at Roland Garros, concluding a career that took him up to No. 5 on the ATP rankings, the 2008 Australian Open final, and 22 titles in total.

Surrounded by his family, Tsonga shared his decision “with great emotion” on social media, having previously discussed retirement earlier this season.

“I still want to have a good time on the court and plan my exit,” the 36-year-old explained in an interview with RFI prior to the Open 13 Provence in Marseille.

While he described feeling pain-free at the time, injuries have taken their toll over the years, including to his knee and back.

“My head tells me, ‘but you can play all your life,’ and at the same time, your body reminds you that your ability to surpass yourself is no longer there,” he says in a video posted to YouTube.

Tsonga has been a beloved fixture on tour since turning pro in 2004, reaching five Grand Slam semifinals in addition to his runner-up finish in Melbourne, and won two Masters titles in Paris and Toronto.

Rather than prolong his career in an attempt to play the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, Tsonga will make his 15th and final appearance at his home major.

“I hope that I will stay in shape before and be able to be who I have always been at this tournament.

“The goal is to be myself, to be Jo-Wilfried Tsonga the tennis player. I like to perform well, and I have always wanted to play well. I have always set myself high goals to try to get what I can. For me, this will be the opportunity to do it one last time.”

For their part, Roland Garros is ready to salute Tsonga before he heads off into the sunset, posting a tribute video on Twitter: