Jo-Wilfried Tsonga ends his career heroically. On Tuesday, May 24, the French bowed after a spectacular fight against world number 9 Casper Ruud (6-7, 7-6, 6-2, 7-6). Shining despite the age of 37, Tsonga gave a magnificent performance. Unfortunately, Manceau suffered a shoulder injury right at the start of the final decisive match. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, in tears during his last service, bowed respectfully before a sentimental Court Philippe-Chatrier.
After the match, a ceremony was held on the field to commemorate Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Many French players such as Gilles Simon, Benoît Paire and Gaël Monfils came to greet the former world number 5 player. Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer also greeted Tsonga via video messages.
After these numerous accolades, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga spoke at the center of the Philippe-Chatrier court: “I admit I made a little paper, I didn’t know if I could make a little note… It only takes three quarters of an hour, no problem!“It starts with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s smile.”Today is a big day for me, the day to say goodbye to my life partner. I want to thank everyone who let me be myself, the little man who wants to be a tennis player. I had the chance and opportunity to do this, I hope one day all the children of this world will have this chance. I had to be good among the greatest players of all time and a generation of unrivaled French players. I did and I am happy today.“
Tsonga also gave some thought to the media, intervening a little with a grin: “From a very young age, I did not allow anyone to make me believe that I could achieve anything. I fought, learned to be myself without making unnecessary waves. It’s true that I don’t experience media play very well, one day my great game, one day my backhand, one day my French mentality… One day I am Swiss, one day the son of a Congolese father. A Manceau day, a black day, a white day. One day savior, one day national hero. One day usurper, one day embellished. One day young, one day old. One day, father… What is life? But I thank these media for raising me and developing my self-criticism and my second degree.“
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, at the end of her emotional speech, announced that she will dedicate her time to her family and their two children, aged 5 and 9 months: “I’m here now without the racket that will be my best friend for 30 years. Being a father has reshuffled the cards in my life. My family is my priority again and I hope the world calms down as I am at peace today. Thank you Roland-Garros, thank you Mr Tennis, I love you.“
❤️ THANKS JO-WILFRIED TSONGA
(Re)live the goodbyes: https://t.co/Y3Fh8ogU9P
▶️ LIVE: https://t.co/ltZaDmZUug pic.twitter.com/hAyzUTDBzw– francetvsport (@francetvsport) 24 May 2022
Benoit Lesueur
Source: Programme Television
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
