Jo-Wilfried Tsonga: “Apparently French Players Get Better After 27 Years Old”

Charismatic Jo-Wilfried Tsonga celebrated his 27th birthday today beating Philipp Kohlschreiber 62, 64 in the second round of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters.

Now at age 27, Tsonga admits he’s closer to the end of his pro career than the beginning.

“I know now I’m 27 and I’m in the second part of my career,” Tsonga said. “I’m not that young anymore. I played my first professional match at 19 years old. I’ve been on the tour for eight years. I know I’m not going to be on the tour for the next eight years.”

Tsonga, however, was reminded that some players reach their best levels later in life, curiously the French players he claims.

“Many players play their best tennis late in their career, mainly French players,” he said. “Apparently French players get better after 27 years old. It encourages me, of course. Many players play their best tennis when they are 30 years old.”

Tsonga added that he doesn’t ask for birthday presents and he doesn’t consider his next foe, Fernando Verdasco, one of them!

“Certainly not (a present),” he joked. “But, on the other hand, he’s a great player, and it’s always good to play against the top players on clay because you can get used to the high quality of their game and you will not be surprised when you play them in major events.”