It has been confirmed that Jo Wilfried Tsonga will no longer be coached by Nicolas Escude. The unexpected announcement came shortly after Tsonga claimed his 12th ATP title.
Until this week the world No.17 has been coached by Escude and Thierry Ascione since November 2013. During his time with Escude, Tsonga has claimed two ATP titles in Toronto (2013) and Metz (2015). His best Grand Slam performance during the partnership was the last four at this year’s French Open. The last time the two were seen together was during this week at the Moselle Open in Metz. The news of Escude’s departure was confirmed on his Twitter account.
Après 2 ans passé au côté de Jo, ma mission s’arrête. Bonne chance pour la suite. De nouveaux projets très excitants en vue…
— ESCUDE Nicolas (@sqdnico) September 27, 2015
Translation – After 2 years passed to the side of Jo, my mission stops. Good luck for the future. Very exciting new projects in sight…
Escude is yet to confirm what he will be doing next however sources at BFMTV have reported that he will start working with 16-year-old Corentin Moutet. The teenager is currently ranked 821 in the world and he is yet to claim a senior title. His best performance this year was reaching the final of an Italian F3 Futures tournament in Santa DI Margherita DI Pula. Moutet hasn’t played a tournament since May due to a stress fracture to his fibula.
There has been no announcement concerning Tsonga’s arrangements for the rest of the season, but it is expected that Thierry Ascione will take full control. As a player Ascione achieved a career ranking high of 81 in 2004. Despite not winning an ATP title, he claimed eight Challenger titles between 2003-2008.
