Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has become the latest player to withdraw from the Australian Open as he continues his recovery from injury.
The 35-year-old Frenchman hasn’t played on the Tour since retiring from his first round match against Alexei Popyrin at the Melbourne major last January due to a back problem. In recent months he continued to be hampered by a persistent injury in the region and opted to shut down his 2020 season in October after failing to recover in time to play at the French Open. The setback occurs just two years after he missed a large chunk of 2018 due to knee surgery.
In a statement published on Twitter, Tsonga said he is not yet ready to play despite making progress in his fitness. It is unclear as to when he plans to return to the Tour.
“Despite great progress in recent months, I am still not able to play in competition. In agreement with the medical team, the Australian Open is therefore compromised this year,” the former world No.5 wrote.
“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 for months to keep tennis alive in these challenging times.”
It is the second time Tsonga has missed the Australian Open since 2007. The tournament is the only Grand Slam where he has reached the final after doing so back in 2008. He also reached the semi-finals on another occasion and the quarter-finals three times. Overall he has won 37 main draw matches in Melbourne which is more than any other major event.
Tsonga’s Grand Slam win-loss record
-Australian Open – 37-13
-French Open 28-11
-Wimbledon 32-11
-US Open 24-10
It is the third time this week a top name has pulled out of the men’s draw. On Monday it was confirmed that Roger Federer will not be playing as he continues his recovery from a right knee injury. Meanwhile, former top 10 player Lucas Pouille has opted to play a series of Challenger tournaments instead following his lengthy injury break.
The Australian Open will get underway on February 8th with Novak Djokovic seeking a record ninth title.
