World No.37 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is optimistic that he will be able to return to the tour soon after receiving surgery earlier this week.
The 32-year-old confirmed on Wednesday that he has undergone a ‘little operation’ on his knee. It followed confirmation of the procedure by French Davis Cup captain Yannick Noah. Tsonga hasn’t played a match on the tour since the Montrepieller open in February. Where he withdrew during his semifinal match due to a left leg injury. He was then forced to miss both Indian Wells and Miami due to his knee.
“Hello everyone, a little note to tell you that despite an attempt to return to competition, my knee responded unfavourably,” Tsonga posted on Twitter.
“So I couldn’t escape a little operation that took place yesterday and went very well.
“Everyone is optimistic for a quick return to the court, our goal is always to tread the clay this season. Thanks again for your support!”
Bonjour à tous,
Un petit mot pour vous dire que, malgré une tentative de retour à la compétition, mon genou a répondu défavorablement. Je n’ai donc pas pu échapper à une petite opération qui a eu lieu hier et qui s’est très bien passée… 1/2 pic.twitter.com/CPwA1wNDWT— Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (@tsonga7) 4 April 2018
… Tout le monde est optimiste pour un retour rapide sur les courts, notre objectif est toujours de fouler la terre battue cette saison. Merci encore de votre soutien et à très vite ! #TsongaTeam 2/2
— Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (@tsonga7) 4 April 2018
Due to his injury-stricken season, the Frenchman dropped out of the world’s top 25 in February. It was the first time he had done so since January 2008. The same month where he reached his first and so far only grand slam final at the Australian Open.
It is unclear as to what tournament Tsonga is aiming to return at. During the clay season a total of three Masters 1000 events take place in Monte Carlo (which he has already officially withdrawn from), Madrid and Rome. After those event will be the French Open where Tsonga is aiming to play at for the 11th time in his career. The grand slam tournament will start on May 27th.
