Open Sud de France, Montpellier
It’s been a series of starts and stops for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, a former top ten player [5]. Every time he looks to have gained some traction; another injury derails him. It’s getting to that stage where the French player is not only battling injury, but he’s also battling time. At thirty-six, soon to be thirty-seven, one wonders about this latest attempt to get back on tour.
Tsonga’s Run In Montpellier Ends In R2
His first round opponent was a Polish qualifier named, Kacper Zuk. I have never heard of this player who has been on tour since 2016. Ranked 172, he actually played really well, and could have won the match if he had more experience in playing in the main draws. Tsonga was clearly not match tough. He was slow to the ball and his timing was off, but he won 6-4, 6-4.
Embed from Getty ImagesRound Two Against Filip Krajinovic
Jo Wilfried Tsonga played in fits and spurts, period of good ball striking followed by periods of poor ball striking. He is not match tough, to be expected, but I would also question his fitness. I play tennis, not on a professional level, simply for the joy of playing. Still, I am quite competitive. I see the difference in my game when I am fitter physically and mentally. Of course, those two enhance my emotional state; therefore, I am less prone to losing my cool. With maintained clarity, I choose better shots. When you are not fit, the tendency is to go for low probability shots, which is what Tsonga did. Though he lost 4-6, 6-7(2), there are signs that he can still compete at this level.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Is Playing With A PR
Tsonga is currently ranked 259 in singles, but he is playing with a protected ranking [PR]. What does that mean? If you have been sidelined with a long-term injury [minimum of six months] or pregnancy, you can get a protected ranking that allows you direct entry into the main draw. That ranking is the average ranking during the first three months after the last event played. Tsonga can use his PR to get into eight tournaments within one year of his return. Time is running out for Tsonga. He played at Wimbledon in 2021 and lost in the first round and was off tour until he came back on the Challenger circuit in January 2022.
Embed from Getty ImagesTsonga’s List Of Injuries
In 2008 he had right knee surgery, which sidelined him for three months. Knee surgery again in 2018 left him off tour for seven months, but this time it was his left knee. What’s causing the Frenchman problems now? His back has been the source of this latest injury timeout. Since 2020 he has barely played. In the eleven matches he played between 2020-21, he only won once.
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