Jo-Wilfried Tsonga: “This Year I Want To Win A Grand Slam”
by Tom Gainey | December 28th, 2012, 12:57 pm
  • 13 Comments

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has his sights set this season on a first Grand Slam title. The Frenchman who lost his only Grand Slam final appearance to Novak Djokovic at the 2008 Australian Open, wants to join his fellow collegues in winning the biggest prizes in tennis.

“To reach the sun, you have to pass the moon,” Tsonga told AFP while preparing for the Hopman Cup.

“It feels like they are far away at the moment, but I feel like I have a lot of energy,” he said. “I will do my best to join them. This year I want to win a Grand Slam.”

The 27-year-old who struggled against higher ranked foes in 2012, has added new coach Roger Rasheed for the new year. Rasheed formerly was at the helm of Lleyton Hewitt and countryman Gael Monfils.

“He’s a good kid, he’s got a good head on his shoulders, so it’s always exciting to have that talent at your disposal,” Rasheed said.

“He should be wanting to win a Grand Slam.”

After finishing 2011 ranked No. 6, Tsonga slid to No. 8 in 2012.


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13 Comments for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga: “This Year I Want To Win A Grand Slam”

alison Says:

JWT is a fantastic player who has the tools to push the very best players to their limits,he should have beaten Nole this year at one of the slams(cant remember which)when having match points,and will rue not taking his chances in that match,and hes beaten Roger and Rafa,so he has the tools,needs to do it against the top players back to back which is not easy,it would be great for him to do it,as it puts more players in the mix.

December 28th, 2012 at 1:10 pm


jamie Says:

He almost beat Nole at RG.

Tsonga is not slam winning material. Doubt he will ever win a slam.

December 28th, 2012 at 1:24 pm


alison Says:

Your favorite had a great year this year no doubt,but certainly rode his luck at times,especially on that occasion.

December 28th, 2012 at 1:30 pm


Skeezer Says:

Go get one JWT!

December 28th, 2012 at 3:41 pm


RSP Says:

So do I, Jo. That doesnt mean it will happen :)

December 28th, 2012 at 4:23 pm


Wog boy Says:

There is more chances me going out for a dinner with Monica Bellucci than Tsonga winning GS.

December 28th, 2012 at 5:28 pm


jane Says:

He’s capable, but he has to string *a number of* good wins together. He can usually get a couple, but then he fades or something???

It seems to me that his worst slams have been the USO and the FO. Yes, he played great versus Nole at the FO last year (although he was flat in both the first and last sets, so really he played great for only 3 sets), but I don’t know if he can win a slam on clay.

I think his best chances are at the AO and Wimbledon.

December 28th, 2012 at 5:33 pm


moam Says:

It’s good to hear Tsonga aspiring for more. He has all the necessary tools and he now has a coach. He played the 2012 season without one.
I do think he must work on the “belief factor” as well.
http://martinstake128.wordpress.com/2012/10/27/breaking-through-alternative-mindset-is-key/

December 28th, 2012 at 6:04 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

Everyone gets to make their prediction. Muhammad Ali’s prediction is as laughable as your Humble Highness’ hope for the year.

Stay injury/illness free in 2013.

December 28th, 2012 at 8:21 pm


Addicted Says:

Tsonga needs to first get ranked in the top 4. He could potentially beat 2 of Fed, Djokovich, Murray to win a slam, but I doubt he can beat 3 of Fed, Murray, Djokovich, Ferrer to win a slam.

Raising his rank would be the first step to winning a slam.

December 30th, 2012 at 4:42 am


Bada Bing Says:

He lost 15 lbs. so maybe he’s trying new things.

January 14th, 2013 at 11:48 pm


Michael Says:

Tsonga is a very good player as well as highly erratic. Players of his kind are good to cause major upsets but they may not go on to win a Championship. What Tsonga lacks is consistency which is a major factor in a Grand slam where you need to win 7 straight five set matches. Tsonga should turn a new leaf to realize his ambition. I hope he does. He has the potential and capabilities but lacks the will. Hope he musters it.

January 20th, 2013 at 5:21 am

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