Jo-Wilfried Tsonga went down fighting. On Court Philippe Chatrier at the French Open.
He lost to eighth-seeded Casper Ruud 6-7 (6), 7-6 (4), 6-2, 7-6 (0) in what was likely his final match. The 37-year-old Frenchman has said he will retire after this year’s Roland Garros tournament.
An emotional Tsonga kneeled and put his head down to the clay amid thunderous applause after the defeat.
Tsonga won 18 titles over an 18-year career and reached No. 5 in the rankings. He was a finalist at the 2008 Australian Open.
Tsonga has the most Grand Slam match wins — 121 — among Frenchmen.
Tournament officials held a ceremony for Tsonga after the match.
