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Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France celebrates victory after his match against Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany on day 4 of the Rolex Paris Masters, part of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 held at the at AccorHotels Arena on October 31, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
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Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France celebrates victory after his match against Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany on day 4 of the Rolex Paris Masters, part of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 held at the at AccorHotels Arena on October 31, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
The 2021 Australian Open is set to start off in the second week of February. However, joining Roger Federer and Lucas Pouille, the French player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has pulled out from the tournament.
The 35-year-old Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga took to Twitter to confirm the news of his withdrawal from the Australian Open. In his official statement, he gave his fitness as the reason behind his decision.
The former World No. 5 came closest to a Grand Slam glory in Melbourne Park in 2008, but 8-time record winner of the tournament Novak Djokovic defeated him in four sets.
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Currently, Tsonga is sitting at No. 62 in the world. Out of the main events, he only played two matches in 2020 and lost both of them.
Read More: After Roger Federer, Lucas Pouille Announces Sad News Ahead of Australian Open 2021
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is not fit to play Australian Open 2021
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MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 14: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France plays a forehand return during his match against Lucas Pouille of France during day five of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 14, 2016, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Winner of 18 ATP singles’ titles, Tsonga underwent knee surgery in 2018. Ever since the injury, he has been out of touch with tennis.
Tsonga stated, “Despite great progress in recent months, I am still not able to play in competition. In agreement with the medical team, the Australian Open is therefore compromised this year. I am looking forward to getting back on a tennis court, but I have to be patient… even if not going to Australia this year is a heartbreaker.”
The Frenchman also thanked Tennis Australia and the ATP for their work in his message. It is them and many who have been fighting for months to keep tennis alive in these challenging times.
Australian Open ❌ pic.twitter.com/DjNGay4RWw
— Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (@tsonga7) December 29, 2020
Will Tsonga play in the 2021 season after Australia?
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PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 29: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France reacts during his men’s singles match against Pablo Andujar of Spain on day six of the 2015 French Open at Roland Garros on May 29, 2015, in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Wilfred is at the end of his career, and the 35-year-old will want to relive all his moments once again. In his statement, the Frenchman also signed off with a ‘see you soon on court’ which is a positive sign.
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Tsonga is a fierce competitor of World No. 1 Djokovic, and fans will love to see him return with the same game. His comfort and confidence on the court are among the best in the whole tennis world.
But for players like him and Federer, time is their own enemy. Therefore, they will both push themselves to a great extent to once again take on the tennis court.
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There is a great chance that Tsonga will join the season ahead. If he manages to swoop in on a title, it’ll be a great send-off for to illustrious career.
Also Read: Former Olympic Gold Medallist Explains Why Roger Federer Withdrew from Australian Open 2021
