Former world No. 5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga revealed he stayed off the internet for two days after announcing his retirement.
Last week, Tsonga announced his plans to call it a career at Roland Garros.
“When I made the announcement, I cut everything right away. I cut the phone, I hadn’t looked. I didn’t want to be overwhelmed by emotions because I reserve them for when I’m going to stop. I want to go after my thing. I cut for two days, I have relatives who told me it was incredible. It took on a global dimension because I played all over the world. I am very honored to have such recognition. When I stop, I will be able to really realize what I was able to do. I hope it will end in the best way and that I could thank everyone at the end,” Tsonga said, per We Love Tennis.
Tsonga feels the time has come for him to retire
“It’s been several years where every day there is at least one moment where I think, ‘What am I doing? Why am I hurting myself like this? Is there still a reason for me to make all this effort?’” Tsonga explained.
“My head tells me ‘but you can play all your life’ and at the same time your body reminds you that your abilities to surpass yourself are no longer there.
“The ultimate reason is to tell myself that this is the last thrill. In 2024, I won’t be playing anymore and for a few weeks now, I’ve decided that I’ll stop playing tennis at French Open.”
Tsonga, a two-time Monte Carlo semifinalist, is set to make his last appearance at the tournament this week.
Tsonga was drawn to meet Marin Cilic in the first round.