Few players have had the honor of defeating Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, or Novak Djokovic and walking away victorious. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was one of those rare athletes who etched his name in tennis history with a career filled with remarkable achievements.
Born in France 39 years ago, Tsonga was one of the most successful French players in ATP history. He claimed 18 career titles and reached a career-high ranking of world No. 5. Known for his powerful shot-making, Tsonga built a reputation as one of the hardest hitters on the tour.
With Congolese roots, his father was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tsonga turned professional in 2004 following an impressive junior career. By 2007, he had broken into the top 50 in the ATP rankings and claimed his first doubles title at the Grand Prix de Tennis de Lyon.
The following year, Tsonga showcased his true potential by reaching his first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open. His impressive run included a stunning five-set victory over Nadal, avenging a loss to the Spanish star the year before. Tsonga eventually faced Djokovic in the championship match but fell short in the final.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France plays a forehand against Casper Ruud of Norway during the Menās Singles First Round match on Day 3 of the French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2022 in Paris, France.
Tsonga vs. Nadal
Jo-Wilfried Tsongaās career began with a tough challenge against Rafael Nadal, and early signs suggested he might have a modest career. However, Tsonga proved he was destined for bigger achievements, and Nadal became one of his most frequent rivals. Despite a 4-10 record against the Spanish legend, some of Tsongaās most memorable victories on the ATP Tour came against him.
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One of Tsongaās standout performances came at the 2015 Shanghai Masters 1000, where he defeated Nadal to reach yet another career final. Despite that success, Tsonga couldnāt overcome Nadal in key moments such as the 2012 ATP Masters 1000 semifinals in Miami or the 2019 Paris Masters.
Tsonga vs. Federer and Djokovic
Throughout his career, Tsonga built memorable rivalries with both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Against Djokovic, Tsonga held a 17-6 record, while against Federer, he posted a 12-6 mark. Despite those numbers, Tsongaās matches with both legends produced some of the most thrilling moments of his career.
Tsonga had notable success against Djokovic, including a victory in the 2008 Bangkok final, a period when Tsonga was playing some of the best tennis of his career. During that stretch, he won five consecutive matches against Djokovic between 2008 and 2009. However, Djokovic eventually turned the tide and dominated their Grand Slam meetings, winning seven of their eight encounters.
Against Federer, the rivalry followed a different path. Tsonga claimed a notable victory in the 2014 Canadian Open final, yet Federer maintained control in their Grand Slam matchups, holding a 4-2 edge. One of their most decisive encounters came at the 2011 Paris Masters, where Federer defeated Tsonga in straight sets in a commanding performance.
