Former Runners-up Jo-Wilfred Tsonga Seeks Wildcard Entry at Australian Open 2022

Tennis injuries are brutal and well-known for cut-shorting careers of many talented players. One of such unfortunate athletes is French professional Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. But now, Tsonga, who hasn’t played a single competitive match since June 2021, has announced some good news to tennis fans.

Notably, the 36-year-old had suffered a calf injury before this year’s US Open, which ended his 2021 season early. But before this, he hadn’t had a much productive year, winning only one match in eight tournaments. However, Tsonga feels rejuvenated now and is hoping for a wildcard entry at the Australian Open 2022.

Fascinatingly, the Frenchman is quite confident about his return in 2022. “One thing is certain: I will be seen in 2022,” Tsonga said. Indeed, it is pleasant news for tennis fans.

(All quotes are translated from French to English via Google Translate).

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France plays a forehand return during his match against Lucas Pouille of France during day five of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 14, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

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Jo-Wilfred Tsonga eyes Australian Open 2022 return

Interestingly, the former World No.5’s best Grand Slam result came at the Australian Open in 2008, when he reached the final. In addition to that, Tsonga‘s result best performance also dates back to when he reached the quarterfinals in Melbourne Park.

Thus, the Happy Slam might be the perfect place for his comeback. “I’m getting ready to come back in January, and I hope I will have the chance to have an invitation to the Australian Open. In the meantime, I’m working hard and trying to do my job as best I can,” Tsonga said.

Moreover, the 18 ATP titles winner also reflected on his recovery and his disappointing 2021 season. His only win of the season came against Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in Marseille in March 2021.

“Since the middle of the summer, it’s been much better,” Tsonga revealed. “I went to the US Open, I hurt my calf, and I finally decided to cancel my end of the season because it was not too interesting.”

At present, Tsonga is 257th in ATP World Rankings. Hence, he will not make it into the main draw or qualifying list in Melbourne. Hopefully, Tennis Australia will grant him a wild card entry considering his contributions on the ATP Tour.

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Tsonga hasn’t had a win in Australia since 2019

This year, Tsonga missed the Australian Open due to his back injury. In 2020, he lost in Melbourne Park in the opening round; in 2019, he lost in the second round against Novak Djokovic.

Let’s see if fans will see Tsonga or even Djokovic in Melbourne Park again. 

Also Read: Tournament Director Opens Up on Novak Djokovic’s Participation at Australian Open 2022

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