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Former ATP world number five Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at Australian Open
Australian Open, Tennis News

‘It’s a heartbreaker’ – Australian Open loses another former finalist to injury


Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has been forced to withdraw from the Australian Open despite ‘great progress’ on his fitness, he has confirmed.

Tonga has had a frustrating few years fighting various injuries, but appeared to be on course to return in the new year.

However, in comments echoing those from the Roger Federer camp when he withdrew, Tsonga said has fallen just short of that target, admitting it is a tough one to take.

“Despite great progress in recent months, I am still not able to play in competition,” the Frenchman said on social media.

“In agreement with the medical team, the Australian Open is therefore compromised this year.

“I am looking forward to getting back on a tennis court, but I have to be patient… even if not going to Australia this year is a heartbreaker.”

“Thanks to Tennis Australia, the ATP, and all those who have been fighting to keep tennis alive in these challenging times.”

Tsonga has not played since this year’s Australian Open when he lost to Alexei Popyrin in the first round.


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Michael Graham, Tennishead.net Editor, has been a professional sports journalist for his whole career and is especially passionate about tennis. He's been the Editor of Tennishead.net for over 5 years and loves watching live tennis by visiting as many tournaments as possible. Michael specialises in writing in-depth features about the ATP & WTA tours.