‘I Won All of Them Except Roland Garros’: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Opens up on Retiring at the French Open 2022

In the past two decades, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was convincingly one of the most consistent players on the tour. A former World No. 5, he outplayed some of the biggest names of the sport to win a number of titles. However, after giving his all to the sport, the Frenchman has finally announced his retirement. As per the announcement, he will end his decorous journey at the upcoming Roland Garros.

Preparing for the last turn of his journey in the French capital, a nostalgic Tsonga recently recalled his gracious campaigns at the Roland Garros. Not going far away from the French capital, he also remembered his wins in other French cities.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga recalls his illustrious run in home country

Looking at his career stats, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that his run on the French soil has been impressive. To date, the 37-year-old has played Roland Garros a total of 12 times. Out of those many performances, his best came in the years 2013 and 2015 where he reached the semifinals.

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Even though he had a decent run at the French Opens, his best wins on the French soil came in other French cities. Interestingly, he won 10 of his 18 tour titles in front of home crowd.

Recently, while talking part in a in a podcast, Jo-Wilfried expressed his wish of winning the French Open saying, “I think I should play a little bit more in France. There are already so many tournaments, so many good tournaments. I won all of them, except Roland Garros. I wish I can do this in another life.”

Why does France have a special place in Tsonga’s heart?

Even though Tsonga didn’t win Roland Garros, he was always a fan favorite. He often experienced jam-packed stadiums during his matches around the globe. However, despite receiving love from tennis fans worldwide, his home crowd always had a sweet spot in his heart.

Expressing his love towards the French crowd, the 37-YO added, “It’s amazing for me to play in front of my home crowd. Even if all over the world, they always support me. In Australia, in the United States, in Africa, in Asia. It was just amazing to play. But France for me was special. Always special. I don’t know why. It was that big for me in France. But it’s like this and I took advantage of it.”

With Tsonga set to play his last tournament, tennis fans are expected to turn up in large numbers at the Stade Roland Garros and support his home favorite for one last time and help him give his best at his last shot.

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