A well-known and very popular figure is leaving world tennis: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has ended his rich career

One of the most famous and very popular tennis players has ended his rich tennis career. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga closed a spectacular story with tears in his eyes on Tuesday, May 24, after being eliminated in the first round of the French Open.

Before the famous Rolland Garros, Tsonga announced that once he was done at the tournament, the great iron curtain would fall, ending his rich, 18-year tennis career.

And that’s what happened after the first round, when he was beaten 3:1 in sets by Norwegian Casper Ruud (6:7, 7:6, 6:2, 7:6).

But the 37-year-old French tennis player received a thunderous ovation from the audience. However, you can see Tsonga’s farewell to the tennis court for yourself in the attached Twitter post below.

Despite the fact that Tsonga has never won a Grand Slam title he has become a very popular player across the world. He has 18 ATP titles to his name.

According to the original plan, Tsonga was supposed to play doubles, but he was already limited by injury in his duel against Ruud.

“It’s a big day for me. It’s a big day to say goodbye to something that has been with me all my life. I’ve never looked back, but now it’s time to do it,” Tsonga said in an emotional farewell, his words then quoted by CNN Sports.

“I want to thank everyone who has helped me on my journey towards my big dream of becoming a professional tennis player. I thank the French Federation and my coaches for their support. I was able to compete in the best generation of players and for that I am happy,” he added.

Tsonga reached his career high in 2012, when he was ranked fifth in the ATP world rankings. It should be noted, however, that in recent years he has been hampered by a series of injuries.

His best Grand Slam result came in 2008 at the Australian Open, when he reached the final, but was beaten by Novak Djokovic. However, he helped France win the Davis Cup in 2017.

Sources: ATP, Rolland Garros, CNN