France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga hits a return against Australia's Alexei Popyrin during their men's singles match on day two of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2020. (Photo by Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP) / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP via Getty Images)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga had 18-year-long professional tennis career come to an end after his first-round loss to Casper Ruud in the French Open – Heather Watson pays tribute
Former Wimbledon Champion and British tennis star, Heather Watson paid an emotional tribute to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga following the Frenchman’s loss to Ruud in Paris. Tsonga retired from professional tennis after an incredible career that saw him winning 22 career titles.
Watson took to Twitter to pay a heartfelt tribute to the tennis icon. “My favourite player retired from the sport today. thank you @tsonga7 for inspiring a little girl from guernsey to become a professional tennis player”, she wrote.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s touching retirement ceremony on Tuesday at Roland Garros was one of the most emotional moments of the season so far. Friends, family and fellow players all came to pay tribute to his storied 18-year career. His parents, Didier and Evelyne, attended the ceremony along his wife, Noura, and two sons, Shugar and Leelow.
“I didn’t know about the players coming on court. I really enjoyed it. They are all very happy because I finally managed to cry,” joked Tsonga. “It’s a moment that is going to be in my memory, but it’s so quick when you’re in it. My eyes were all over the place. I didn’t really know where to go. When I watch the images again afterwards, I will be very moved”, said an emotional Tsonga, after the ceremony.
Fans and followers are certainly overwhelmed by Watson’s heart-touching tweet. Tsonga has inspired many tennis players around the globe like Watson to take up the sport as a career. He is undoubtedly one of the most loved players in the circuit.
“Lovely tribute by @HeatherWatson92 to many,many people’s favourite player @tsonga7. Merci Jo-Willy”, wrote a fan referring to Watson’s tweet.
“Love this, Heather. You’ll have done the same for girls up and down the country”, tweeted a fan, who believes Heather Watson (like Tsonga) has inspired people to take up the sport.
Another user agreed with Watson and added that Tsonga inspired people in multiple ways and not just in terms of Tennis. “He certainly inspired very many of us- & not just to play tennis. He inspired us full stop. #AllezJo”, he wrote.
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