“The most charismatic tennis player ever” Jo-Wilfried Tsonga receives heartwarming farewell messages from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray
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Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga decided to take the foot off the gas pedal and bid farewell to the game he dedicated his life to. The Frenchman had already announced that Roland Garros 2022 was going to be his last Tournament.
Tennis lovers throughout the world would’ve wanted Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to reach deep into the tournament and win some matches. But things didn’t work that way as Tsonga lost his first-round match against Casper Ruud in a well-fought 4-setter.
The scores of the match clearly show how the 37-year-old fought hard during the match (6(6)-7(8), 7(7)-6(4), 6-2, 7(7)-6(0)). In three of the four sets, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga managed to reach the tie-break but wasn’t able to capitalize on it in the second and fourth sets.
However, considering the 14 years difference in their ages Tsonga competed fantastically in front of his home crowd and didn’t give any easy win to his Norwegian opponent.
Tsonga got emotional as he waved to the crowd at the stadium. The Frenchman had been one of the most fearsome competitors in Tennis and had competed and defeated all the four greats (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray) in their prime.
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Jo-Wilfried Tsonga receives a special video from his opponents bidding him farewell
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga received some memorable words from some of the greatest tennis players of the 21st century. First, it was the person who defeated Tsonga in his first and only Grand slam Final Novak Djokovic. The two played the Australian Open final of 2008 where Djokovic managed to win the final.
Djokovic in his message said, “Jo is one of the most charismatic tennis players ever to play the game and I was very happy to share the court with him many times. We get along really well. He’s a really nice guy. He brought a lot of positive attention and popularity to our sport because of not just his dynamic game style but also his charisma, his personality. So it’s a big loss for professional men’s tennis to have him retire but I wish him all the best. He should definitely be happy about his career and his achievements. He has made his mark and legacy in our sport.”
Rafael Nadal who is also playing the Roland Garros 2022 and shared some great matches with Tsonga said, “Well, He’s very charismatic. I know him since we were kids. A good guy. I think he brings a lot of positive things to our sport so I am sad to see him go. But we are getting, so it’s gonna happen for everyone.”
Roger Federer said, “It was a pleasure to share the court with you, to play against you. And to lose against you. Enjoy the moment, Jo-Willy”. Federer and Tsonga shared some of the greatest matches in the history of tennis.
Andy Murray in his message said, “Hey Jo. Just wanted to send a message of congratulations and also to wish you a happy retirement. You’ve achieved so much with so many highlights You’ve been a great ambassador for the sport. I always loved watching you play and competing against you. So you’re going to be sorely missed.”
At the end of the match, Tsonga said, “I am a Black Player. I am a White Player. I am a decorated Player. I am a father. I hope the world can soon find as much peace as I found today. Thank you, Roland. Thank you, Mister Tennis. I love you.”
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Parth Dubey
(314 Articles Published)