The Frenchman, who introduced he would retire after this 12 months’s Roland Garros, was crushed 6-7 (6) 7-6 (4) 6-2 7-6 (0) by Norwegian Casper Ruud, bringing his 18-year skilled profession to an finish.
The 37-year-old acquired a standing ovation from the Philippe Chatrier crowd as he waved goodbye to a court docket that he is entertained on numerous events.
Regardless of by no means profitable a grand slam singles title, Tsonga may be very a lot a fan favourite and claimed 18 ATP titles in as a few years on tour.
He was in tears even earlier than serving for what can be the final level of his singles profession — Tsonga was because of play doubles on the French Open however that appears extremely uncertain after damage severely hampered him towards Ruud.
“It is a terrific day for me. The day once I say goodbye to my long-time companion. I’ve by no means seemed again however now could be the time to do it,” an emotional Tsonga informed the group.
“I need to thank all of the individuals who helped me obtain my dream of changing into knowledgeable tennis participant.
“Due to the French tennis federation and all my coaches who supported me even once I was extraordinarily foolish. I managed to be good amid the very best technology of gamers and I am completely satisfied about it.”
‘An inspiration’
After the match, Tsonga was joined on court docket by his household, former coaches and different French gamers as the game stated its collective goodbye.
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray all recorded messages for Tsonga they usually had been performed on the large display contained in the court docket.
“I am unhappy to see him going however we’re getting outdated,” Nadal stated, as Tsonga laughed.
Tsonga reached a profession excessive of world No. 5 in 2012 however has suffered a sequence of accidents lately.
His finest grand slam end result got here on the Australian Open in 2008, when he misplaced to Djokovic within the remaining. He did, although, assist France win the Davis Cup in 2017.
“You’ve gotten been an inspiration to me and plenty of others,” stated an emotional Ruud after beating Tsonga for the final time.
