One of France's greatest tennis players bid the sport adieu in an emotional moment at the French Open

• Jo-Wilfried Tsonga said an emotional goodbye to tennis on Tuesday.
• He retired from the sport after losing in the first round of the French Open.

French tennis star Jo-Wilfried Tsonga cried and said he "couldn't have asked" for a better send-off, as he said an emotional farewell to the sport at Roland Garros.

Tsonga, 37, announced last month that he was to retire from tennis after the French Open.

He lost 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, 7-6 (7-0) in the first round to Norwegian youngster Casper Ruud on Tuesday.

"It was pure madness today. One of the best atmospheres I have seen in my career, and it's my last match," said Tsonga.

"I couldn't have asked for something better. I couldn't have asked for a better script, apart from the fact that I could have won."

Tsonga has been plagued by injuries in recent years, missing almost the entire 2020 season with a back problem, and he struggled again against Ruud, this time with his shoulder.

He could have retired from the match following a medical timeout in set four, however the Frenchman opted to play on, much to the delight of the crowd, which rose to its feet for a rendition of La Marseillaise, the French national anthem, as the veteran star signaled he was going to continue.

When he eventually, lost, Tsonga fell to his knees, before friends, family, and fellow players gathered around him on the court to watch a video tribute of his career highlights.

In the video, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer all sent their well-wishes.

"I really enjoyed it. They are all very happy, because I finally managed to cry," said Tsonga. "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."

He added that he now plans to spend time with his family.

"I've had fabulous days and some that have not been so good," he said. "I'm now standing in front of you without my racquet, along with my best friends of 30 years.

"My family are now my priority. Thank you tennis. I love you."

Tsonga won 18 titles during his career. He also made it to the semifinals twice at both the French Open and Wimbledon, as well as the final of the 2008 Australian Open.