The Frenchman broke for a 6-5 lead in the fourth set but was unable to serve out, immediately calling for the trainer before the tie-break and taking a medical timeout for treatment to his right shoulder. Ruud, the Norwegian eighth seed, comfortably sealed victory against a visibly ailing Tsonga, who fought back tears before the final point of his 18-year career. “When I was about to serve and I realised I couldn’t put my arm up, then I called for the physio. But I thought, ‘I’m going to stay on the court and finish off this match.’ 

“I wanted to finish this way, on the court, to do my best, injured or not. In any case, there would have been no second match, because I left everything on the court today.” A video tribute of Tsonga’s career highlights then played inside the stadium as friends, family and fellow players gathered on court for his retirement ceremony. Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer—all players Tsonga beat at Grand Slams—sent their well-wishes in a series of video messages.

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Memorable moment

“I really enjoyed it. They are all very happy, because I finally managed to cry,” said Tsonga. “Well, it’s a moment that is going to be in my memory, but it’s so quick when you’re in it. It’s difficult to live the moment that you’re living. My eyes were all over the place. I didn’t really know where to go. When I watch the images again afterwards I will be very moved.”

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