“For a long time I didn’t want to see him,” Jo-Wilfried Tsonga opens up on Rafael Nadal’s final season on tour as he wants the Spaniard ‘to come out in the best way by fighting’

Rafael Nadal will be facing Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs in his first round match in Rome.

“For a long time I didn’t want to see him,” Jo-Wilfried Tsonga opens up on Rafael Nadal’s final season on tour as he wants the Spaniard ‘to come out in the best way by fighting’

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Rafael Nadal (Via IMAGO)

Former ATP No.5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has revealed his desire to see Rafael Nadal play at this year’s Roland Garros. This comes after the Spaniard admitted his doubt in participating at the clay Grand Slam event.

Expectations for Nadal seem to be growing as his final tour looks to be progressing well as expected. The Spaniard’s full comeback after injury was delayed when he played in just one tournament in three months. However, a Barcelona and Madrid run now sees his fame rise in the sport as many hope to bid him their final farewell.

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The Roland Garros is like another home to the Spaniard. With fourteen French Open titles, he is the record winner of the clay major event. Yet, he remains ambiguous about playing at the event, which is a big surprise to the tennis community. Meanwhile, French former player Tsonga, who played Nadal 14 times before retiring in 2022, hopes to see Nadal at the Roland Garros.

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Despite losing to the 37-year-old ten times in their meetings, the French legend hopes to see Nadal come out on top by playing in Roland Garros.

Everyone feels that he is heading towards the end more than anything else. Everyone wants to see it, I want to see it. For a long time I didn't want to see him. We want him to come out on top by “fighting” like he always has. What he did at Roland‐Garros, 15 victories, I don't want to talk about it because it's so.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga said via Clique on Canal Plus.

Tsonga achieved a career-high of No.5 in the ATP in February 2012. He went on to win 18 singles titles, including two Masters 1000 titles.

Rafael Nadal to face Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs in Rome opener

Rafael Nadal will aim to continue in his form this week at the Italian Open in Rome. The Spanish star is the record winner of the tournament with 10 Rome crowns. He will begin his campaign tomorrow against Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs.

Speaking to the press today, the 37-year-old revealed that he is excited to play in Rome for the last time.

I was able more or less to practice well the past few days. I'm excited to be playing in Rome. It's a tournament that brings me back to a lot of unforgettable memories.
Rafael Nadal said
Iga Swiatek
Rafael Nadal (Image via Imago)

Nadal will aim for a bright start when he faces Bergs tomorrow. Bergs, 24, has played majorly in the Challengers and it will be the biggest match of his career.

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