‘Pleasure to Share the Court With You’ – Roger Federer Has Kind Words for Jo Wilfried Tsonga After His Retirement at French Open 2022

It was an emotional day yesterday at Roland Garros. French tennis bid adieu to one of its greatest players as Jo Wilfried Tsonga played the last match of his illustrious tennis career. Despite lacking match fitness, the Frenchman gave his all in his final match. Moreover, the crowd was on their feet as the final point was played. Tsonga was in tears himself on the final point, relishing the memories he had over the years. The emotions could be felt not just by his fans but across the tennis fraternity.

As Tsonga called a time on his career, his fellow players wished him on having a glorious career. Swiss maestro, Roger Federer, also congratulated him.

Roger Federer thanks Jo Wilfried Tsonga for all the glorious memories

The 20-times Grand Slam champion took to Twitter to shower praise on Tsonga for having an illustrious tennis career. He said, “Congrats Jo Willy on an epic career. It was a pleasure to share the court with you. So many great memories.”

DIVE DEEPER

The 37-year-old Frenchman played one of the most memorable matches of his career against Federer. During the 2011 Wimbledon Championships, Tsonga came back from two sets down to defeat the Swiss legend in the quarterfinals. Tsonga eventually bowed out of the tournament in the semifinals, losing against the eventual champion, Novak Djokovic.

Tsonga’s final note

The 37-year-old bid goodbye to tennis with an emotional speech. He said, “I hope the world can soon find as much peace I found today. Thank you Roland. Thank you Mister Tennis. I love you. I realized my dreams and I wish every child in the world to do the same.” His final words are sure to give goosebumps and bring tears to the eyes of every tennis fan.

WATCH THIS STORY: Novak Djokovic’s epic finals against Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Andy Murray, Wilfried Tsonga at the Australian Open

Meanwhile, Casper Ruud progressed to the second round of the French Open 2022 after defeating Tsonga. He will next take on Emil Ruusuvuori of Finland.

Source: | This article originally belongs to Essentially Sports