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AO Standings: Tsonga requests wild card; Konta questionable for main draw

The Frenchman has been on and off the tour with back problems since 2020, but is training again and wishes to return in Melbourne.

ByKamakshi Tandon

Published Nov 27, 2021

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Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has requested a wild card into the Australian Open as he aims to start a comeback next season. The 36-year-old Frenchman has been on and off the tour with back problems since the start of 2020, but is training again and wants to return.

"I am working hard to come back and if it is not at the Australian Open, it will be elsewhere," he told French press. "I am working hard to return to the highest level."

Having had frequent injuries throughout his career, the 36-year-old originally wanted to return at the US Open, but experienced more issues and decided to focus on his fitness before making a comeback.

The former No. 5 reached the 2008 final at the Australian Open. Currently, he is No. 257 in the rankings.

Tsonga will also play the Rouen Open exhibition event in France in three weeks, joining Richard Gasquet and other players.

On the women's side, Johanna Konta appears less likely to play the Australian Open.

The 30-year-old from Great Britain has had a layoff with knee problems and does not seem to yet be recovered.

Konta has not been training on the grounds of the National Tennis Centre, said British press, and plans to have her wedding next month to boyfriend Jackson Wade. In addition, her vaccination status is not known and it is also not clear whether she will get direct entry into the tournament.

A representative from her team said Konta was still "assessing" if she will play the Australian Open. A former Top 5 player, she is No.112 in the rankings.