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#1 ·
I wanted to add something to the article of this morning and we'll need a "News" thread anyway.

http://fr.sports.yahoo.com/17042008/70/ms-monte-carlo-tsonga-forfait.html
After having said that he's not downcast because of his knee injury and has already been through worse things, he adds:
"J'espère que le fait d'être blessé va me remotiver pour les prochains tournois. Parce que ces derniers temps, je ne prenais pas vraiment de plaisir sur le court. Là, le circuit va me manquer."
I hope that this injury will remotivate me for the next tournaments. Because I was not really enjoying being on the court lately. That way, I will miss the tour.

It was quite obvious during the two American AMS, even before IW he kept talking in interviews about finding back his motivation, it was weird. And he was looking so nervous during his matches. Probably too much pressure. It's nice to see he's aware of it.
 
#228 ·
My translation contribution, it’s not always easy for me to translate actual spoken words, but here’s the gist:

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga registered his first victory (6-4, 7-5) against Marat Safin in his second clay tournament of this season.

He’s very pleased about about this result, he’s waited with impatience to get that first victory on clay. He felt good during the match. He’s very clear on how he wants to play on clay: accentuate his aggressivity, move forward. He doesn’t want to adopt a style that’s against his nature/his natural instincts of the game. He believes that this aggressive style will disrupt his opponents as few people play that way on clay. At Roland Garros, those with attacking game have performed notably well. He will try to put himself in that attacking role.

He acknowledges that Rafter, Mika (Llodra) and Noah have attacking styles, but he does not need inspiration from a particular player. He says that he can serve-volley, but he can also play in other different ways. His point of focus is to adopt an offensive game.

He also has to avoid the point where there’s a hesitation between defense and attack. Sometimes he plays in a more neutral position: he doesn’t attack outright nor does he defend outright. This allows him to focus on the main objective and not have this hesitation.

He’s happy about his adaptation on clay. The more he plays, the better his footwork adapts on clay. It’s still not perfect, but this will improve with more hours spent on the surface. Today, the court felt quite good compared to the training courts.

Regarding the impact of altitude of Madrid on his game, he said that the ball flies a bit more, the game accelerates automatically and is more difficult to control.

He’s already very excited about Roland-Garros. He wants to do something special over there and can’t wait to play the tournament. It will be the first Roland-Garros - in inverted commars so to speak - where he will be a real contender. He likes the three-set winning format of Grand Slam (or best of 5 sets), to push himself to the limits. It will be an unforgettable experience for him.

Safin’s post-match reaction:

"I didn’t feel comfortable at any moment in the match, so I was all the time playing behind and I tried to find my game," said Safin. "I couldn’t do anything special so it was annoying to be there on the court and not be able to find the game, so basically I had to wait for his mistakes. It was a little bit absurd, so, it’s a disappointment but what can you do?"

Yes, that’s a compliment coming from him – Jo did not allow him to play his game. I believe they have similar attacking styles on clay.
 
#232 ·
An interview coming from his website, in english please :) :

« It gives me Goosebumps »
Eight days away from the French Open at Roland-Garros, Jo-Wilfried is impatient do play in front of the French

Jo-Wilfried, how do you judge your form eight days from the French Open at Roland-Garros ?

I feel rather good. It is getting the peak of a long preparation and I have worked hard to arrive in top form at Roland-Garros. I feel ready and will play some in Düsseldorf (for the World Team Cup). This will allow me to work on details and play point under certain situation and say to myself that my opponent won’t be able to overtake me.

What will be your objective ?

It will always be the same: go as far as possible, without calculating and with the impression that have given my hardest. It will not be in my mind frame to talk about a quarter final of a semi-final as an objective. If I can manage to reach such rounds I will, of course would want to go further. I am 100% sure that this surface will suit me. With my conditioning and the way i hit the ball I will be well on clay. I can go very far the day when everything will come in place.

What does this tournament represents for you ?

It is mythical for us French player to be there. It has always been a high moment for French players to play Roland-Garros. I remember the day when I was playing the qualies. It is magical even if today it would be even stronger to make a result there. Just thinking about it gives me Goosebumps.

Do you feel any particular pressure ?

I do not ask myself that question on whether or not I can doubt myself. My only pressure is the one I apply to myself, on my own. People will be happy or sad about my results but I am one who is playing and I do this for myself.

You can go on his official site if you want it in french.


Edit: :haha:
The translation is terrible. Enjoy your franglish :haha:
 
#234 ·
I translated a German interview with Jo:


Interview with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

„I’m not nervous, just very agog“



Since 26 years the French tennis fans wait for a victory of one of their compatriots at the Grand Slam tournament in Paris. They have high hopes in Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who had to cancel his participation last year because he was injured. In an interview with sport.ARD.de the 24years old tennisplayer is talking about with which expectations he is going to travel in his home country.

sport.ARD.de: Your first and so far only appearance at the Grand Slam tournament in Paris ended in 2005 already in the 1st round. This year you are going into the tournament as one of the topplayers. What kind of feeling is this?

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga: Actually I have already been a few times in Roland Garros.
sport.

ARD.de: Really? In the stats we can only find your loss to US-American Andy Roddick.

Tsonga: That’s true. But I was already allowed to practice at a youth camp on the grounds when I was 13years old. Beside this I have seen a lot of matches and great players from the stands. Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Marat Safin. They have impressed me.

sport.ARD.de: Now you are on the court yourself, are the favourite of the crowd and get acclaimed.

Tsonga: I have always hoped that this would happen one day and I was able to accomplish it.

sport.ARD.de: The longing of the French tennis fans is huge. They wait since 26 years, since the triumph of Yannick Noah, for the victory of a compatriot. Do those expectations make you nervous?

Tsonga: I have to live with this pressure. I’m really not nervous, just very agog for the days in Paris. My family and lots of friends are coming in order to see me play. I’m looking forward to this, but it doesn’t change that I have to blank out the surrounding when I stand on the court.

sport.ARD.de: You make the impression on the court as if you wouldn’t just play with the opponent, but also with the audience.

Tsonga: I am who I am, let my emotions out, this is helping my game. What other people think of me is secondary, but it seems as people like my manner.
sport.



ARD.de: You have your nickname "Muhammad Ali” because of your resemblace with the legendary boxer. But you also seem to have adopt his motto: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” How important is this image for you?

Tsonga: It doesn’t really matter for me. But of course it helps the tennis to have different kinds of players. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or myself – each of us is playing differently, cheering differently, appearing differently. The people have the choice who to support.
sport.

ARD.de: You already suffered as a young player from many injuries, last year you had to cancel the French Open because of a meniscus injury. Do you go this time free of complaints to Paris?

Tsonga: I can’t really complain. I feel healthy, fit and optimally prepared.
sport.

ARD.de: When you were able to go into a season for the first time in perfect physical shape you made a great stir. Your SF against Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open 2008 is unforgettable. He said afterwards: I didn’t have a chance.

Tsonga: This tournament and this match in particular have been my breakthrough for sure. Suddenly the people looked at me and paid attention. Everything around me has changed, but I stayed the same person.
sport.

ARD.de: In sports it went onhill for you, up to #6 in the ranking. You won 4 tournaments in the last two years, however all of them on hardcourt. Is it annoying for you as a French player that the surface in Paris is clay?

Tsonga: I have to live with this. I don’t know if it really affects my chances of victory. I just try to play my game on clay. They won’t change the surface because of me.

sport.ARD.de: With which ambition do you go to Paris? Another big victory against Nadal wouldn’t be bad, right?

Tsonga: I don’t think that far. I take potluck.

sport.ARD.de: What’s your aspiration for this season?

Tsonga: I want to win a big tournament this year. This is my wish. Only who wins a Grand Slam tournament will be remembered by the people.

German source of the article: http://sport.ard.de/sp/tennis/news200905/20/interview_tsonga.jsp
 
#236 · (Edited)
Interview in l'équipe :

http://www.lequipe.fr/Tennis/breves2009/20090520_181257_tsonga-comme-si-j-avais-17-ans.html
second part : http://www.lequipe.fr/Tennis/breves2009/20090522_190101_tsonga-comme-si-j-avais-17-ans.html


"It's like I'm 17 again" :inlove:

Do you remember what Roddick said at the end of your 2005 RG match ?
He said… I don’t remember.

He said that you had a great serve and that if you kept trying, you would make it.
Exactly (smiles) He told me that again at the Australian. He has a good eye (smiles)

Which memory do you keep of that match ?
It was a little hell for me. I had a big shoulder problem which lasted 5 months. I had trouble washing my teeth or holding a glass. So it’s not a good memory because I shouldn't have been on the court.

RG is coming. You’re ten in the world and a beginner there. Is it an advantage ?
I think it is. I have nothing to lose. It’s my first Roland. It’s like I’m 17 again and going to play there. I’m happy, I’m like a mad man. It’s a childhood dream.

You’re saying it’s your first but it’s your second Roland !
In the heart, it’s the first. Last time I was sleeping at the CNE, meaning I was playing, practicing in Roland all year long. Today, it’s something else. I’m seeded. People are going to come to watch me. It’s something grand.

Do you use some of those comments who are doubting that you can play on clay to motivate yourself more ?
Of course. It would be hypocrite to say it doesn’t annoy me because deep down I know I can be good on clay. And then people are saying that I will never make it. So I’m even more motivated to show them what I’m able to do.

Are you telling yourself you’re going to proove to people that you’re good on clay ?
Not really. I want to proove that to myself. When something happens to me or when there is someone I’m not getting along well, instead of going towards him, I’m trying to do things the right way and hopefully he will understand by himself that he was wrong.

Do you need to give your everything during practice to be confident in your game ?
Yes and no. I work on challenges. When I have an objective, I don’t look at anything else. I’m capable of doing everything you can think about, even stupid things, when I decide it’s worth it.

What’s the next challenge ?
Roland Garros, three setters on clay. You have to be strong.

Any particular objective ?
No, I just want to take pleasure and to try to please the crowd.

Taking pleasure is often winning…
I’m playing with words because I know the crowd only wants me to win.

Do you imagine your first entrance on RG center court ?
No, it’ll be a surprise. I prefer to live in the instant. I’m not saying I don’t think about it from time to time while telling myself « what will I do when I’m stepping on the court ? » (smiles) Will I arrive with my head lowered ? Or showing off ?

Have you found an answer ?
I don’t know, but I’m thinking about it (laughs)

It could be a Bercy arrival, fist raised ?
It could (smiles) When I’m coming in like that, it means it’s really important to me.

Physically, how are you ?
Fine.

Clay is the less traumatising surface for you in the end ?
Absolutely.

Maybe you’ll become a clay-courter…
I already am ! (laughs)
 
#238 ·
Many thanks everyone for the articles.:)
 
#242 ·
Thanks :D the pics are bad but it's very interesting, especially his daily routine. And a special :yeah: to him for being a Madcon fan :cool:

The girl writing the go-to-tennis blog is madly in love with Jo, especially after his last press conf, and how we understand her :


JO-WILFRIED TSONGA WANTS TO PLEASURE YOU

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the talented, charming and injury-prone Frenchman, has played in the French Open only once - way back in 2005. He’s making his long-overdue return to the terre battue this week, and with Gael Monfils injured (really?) and Richard Gasquet suspended, the crowd is sure to hang their hopes on the hardcourt-suited Tsonga.

Good thing Jo-Dub doesn’t mind the attention. In fact, he’s already planning a great big tennis orgy on Court Philippe Chatrier. Count me in, Jo! Here he is via Eurosport:


“I have an incredible desire to play, a desire that transcends everything. I’m excited at the idea of going on the court and giving my all.”

“It’s magic to know that whatever happens, people will be behind me. C’est magnifique. I don’t play tennis to fill my bank account but to fill the hearts of people.”

“The goal is really to get pleasure and give pleasure to people who will come to see me. I want to do something great here (at Roland Garros). For me it’s a unique tournament. If I could bring a touch of Jo, that would be cool.

“It would be fabulous to win a match in five sets. On center court, of course. At dusk. Anytime, really. Winning a match in five sets by doing something a little heroic, that would be top.”
Mon dieu, that may be the sexiest tennis press conference of all time! Here’s hoping Jo-Wilfried keeps his promises. I’m definitely curious about this “touch of Jo” stuff.

Tsonga will play countryman Julien Benneteau in his first round. From there he’ll need all love the crowd can give him - his section of the draw includes Baghdatis, Monaco, del Potro and Djokovic. Bon courage, Jo!

Quotes via Eurosport - my translation from French.

Read more: "FRENCH OPEN: JO-WILFRIED TSONGA WANTS TO PLEASURE YOU | GOTOTENNIS" - http://www.gototennisblog.com/2009/...tsonga-wants-to-pleasure-you/#ixzz0GQAV96QX&A
 
#245 ·
An article in Le Figaro.
http://madame.lefigaro.fr/celebrites/en-kiosque/2066-en-prive-avec-jo-wilfried-tsonga
http://madame.lefigaro.fr/celebrites/en-kiosque/2066-en-prive-jo-wilfried-tsonga/2

9e sur le circuit ATP World Tour (1), le tennisman français s’apprête à fouler la terre battue de Roland Garros. Devant son public, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga tentera l’exploit qui a mené, avant lui, Yannick Noah au sommet.

Paru le 26.05.2009 , par Laurence Negroni-Nikitine


Quel est le bonheur parfait, selon vous ?
Une maison à la campagne, au calme près d’une rivière.

Quel est le principal trait de votre caractère ?
Sympathique, humain et discret.

Et celui dont vous êtes le moins fier ?
Bougon, je sais faire la gueule !

Votre hobby ?
La pêche. J’ai un souvenir mémorable au large de Miami en mars 2008. Nous sommes sortis vers cinq heures du matin, et en moins de deux heures nous avions pris un thon et deux belles dorades. Une vraie pêche miraculeuse !

Votre geste écolo quotidien ?
J’essaie, avec la Fédération française de tennis, de recycler les balles, les bouteilles, les bouchons en plastique…

Qu’avez-vous réussi de mieux dans votre vie ?
Donner un peu de plaisir à mes parents et à ma famille. Ils sont contents pour moi.

Que possédez-vous de plus cher ?
Mes amis.

Votre film culte ?
Heat, de Michael Mann. Pour le formidable duo d’acteurs entre De Niro et Al Pacino.

Votre actrice préférée ?
Sophie Marceau. Elle me fait craquer.

Votre héros dans la vie ?
Mon père. C’est grâce à lui que je joue au tennis, même s’il ne m’a jamais poussé. Il était joueur de handball avant de devenir professeur de tennis. Je l’admirais et je le suivais quand il donnait des leçons.

Vos écrivains préférés ?
Dan Brown et Harlan Coben.

Votre mot favori ?
« Respect ».

Que détestez-vous par-dessus tout ?
Le racisme et l’intolérance.

Petit, que vouliez-vous faire ?
Devenir un athlète, mais pas forcément un joueur de tennis. Je m’imaginais plutôt footballeur ou basketteur comme l’est aujourd’hui Enzo, mon petit frère.

Quel est le prochain rêve que vous voudriez réaliser ?
Surprendre ma famille. Sur un court ou ailleurs.

Votre péché mignon ?
Le chocolat.

De quoi avez-vous peur ?
D’oublier mes clés et mon portefeuille ! Je suis un spécialiste, je les sème un peu partout…

Vos prochaines vacances ?
Avec mes amis, sans doute en Sicile, que je rêve de connaître.

En vacances, vous déconnectez comment ?
Je débranche tout. Mon portable et l’ordinateur.

Qu’est-ce que vous aimez qu’on dise de vous ?
« Quel beau gosse ! »

Avez-vous un accessoire fétiche dans votre sac de sport ?
Je ne suis pas superstitieux, mais je range toujours mes raquettes de la même façon.

Votre plus belle victoire ?
Contre Nadal en demi-finale de l’Open d’Australie en 2008.

La coupe dont vous seriez le plus fier ?
Celle de Roland-Garros.
Sorry I have no time to translate.
 
#248 ·
Thanks krn81 for your article. Much appreciated. Here's my translation for those who need it:


Classed 9th on the ATP World Tour (1), the French tennis player prepares to tread on the clay of Roland Garros. In front of his home crowd, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga attempts the feat of reaching the summit, previoulsy accomplished by Yannick Noah.


Paru 26.05.2009 , by Laurence Negroni-Nikitine

What, in your opinion, is the perfect happiness?
A house in the countryside, in a state of calm close to a river.

What is the principal trait of your character?
Likable, humane and discreet.

And that which you are least proud of?
Grumpy, I know how to sulk!

Your hobby ?
Fishing. I have a memorable souvenir offshore Miami in March 2008. We left around 5 am, and in less than 2 hours, we caught a tuna and two fine breams. Miraculous fishing!

Your daily ecological gesture?
I try, with the French Federation of tennis, to recycle the balls, the bottles, the plastic bottle caps…

What have you best achieved in your life?
Give some pleasure to my parents and family. They are happy for me.

What is your dearest possession?
My friends.

Your favourite film?
Heat, by Michael Mann. Because of the formidable duo of actors of De Niro and Al Pacino.

Your favourite actress?
Sophie Marceau. She touches me deeply.

Your real life hero?
My father. It’s thanks to him that I play tennis, even if he never pushed me. He was a handball player before becoming a tennis teacher. I admired him and I followed him when he gave lessons.

Your favourite writers?
Dan Brown and Harlan Coben.

Your favourite word?
« Respect ».

What do you detest above all others?
Racism and intolerance.

When you were small, what did you want to do?
To become an athlete, but not necessarily a tennis player. I visualised myself more as a football player or a basketball player, as is today Enzo, my little brother.

What is the next dream that you would like to realise?
Surprise my family. On the court or elsewhere.

Your little sin?
Chocolate.

What are you afraid of?
Forgetting my keys and my wallet! I am a specialist, I leave them around a lot…

Your next holidays?
With my friends, without doubt in Sicily, a place I have dreamed of knowing.

Whilst on holidays, how do you disconnect?
I unplug everything. My cell phone and computer.

What do you like being said about you?
« What a handsome guy ! »

Do you have a fetish accessory (mascot) in your sports bag?
I am not superstitious, but I always arrange my racquets in the same way.

Your most beautiful victory?
Against Nadal in the semi-final of the Australian Open 2008.

The cup that you would be most proud of?
That of Roland-Garros.
 
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#253 ·
An article coming from his official website :

« Del Potro, the ultimate test »
An easy winner over Christophe Rochus, Jo-Wilfried will face Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro, the fifth play

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

« I have played very well. I did what I had to do in order to move in the competition. On clay it is never easy and there is always the possibility for your opponent to regain his confidence and play better. Yesterday, Christophe did not have such rise of confidence. I am now starting to enjoy every moments of it and I sometimes felt to stay a bit longer the crowd was yelling and screaming. It was awesome. Against Del Potro, it will be another affair. It will be the ultimate test. If I manage to beat Juan Martin, I can beat anyone on this surface. »
 
#254 ·
Optimum June 2009 (anyone bought it ? I don't know where you find that :lol:)


Excerpts from wlt (they didn't put the whole thing)


Les médias se sont jetés sur vous. Notamment Canal+ qui produit une série documentaire intitulée « Les 4 Mousquetaires »...
Ça, c’est bien. Le fait d’être plus exposés, ça ne fait qu’aider le tennis. Les gens en parlent – en bien ou pas – et c’est une bonne chose. Le documentaire est sympa. Les gens découvrent l’envers du décor.

Y a-t-il déjà une scène mythique ?
Dans le premier épisode, j’ai hurlé de rire en voyant Richard Gasquet après son match marathon à l’Open d’Australie face à Fernando Gonzalez [défaite en cinq sets après avoir obtenu une balle de match, NDLR]. On le voit à sa conférence de presse où il raconte des banalités, du genre: « Il a super bien joué, je ne passe pas loin, etc. » Et puis, la caméra le suit dans la voiture qui le ramène à l’hôtel et là, Ritchie se lâche : « Le mec, il a eu une de ces chances. Si sa copine n’est pas à Melbourne, il doit être cocu ! » On voit bien le contraste. On est humains quoi !

Noah qui fait chavirer la France, c’était en 1983. Cette attente, vous la ressentez ?
Je vois surtout que le tennis reprend des couleurs depuis quelques mois. Les jeunes ont des joueurs préférés en France. Il y en a qui vont aimer Gaël, Gilles, Richard ou moi. Ils vont acheter des tenues ou des raquettes différentes. C’est une ambiance qui s’était perdue. Il n’y avait presque plus de joueurs dans le Top 50 et les jeunes Français s’intéressaient aux étrangers.

En fait, vous jouez un peu la comédie...
Bah oui, sur le terrain, on n’a le droit de rien faire. On doit fermer sa bouche, ne pas baisser son short. Pourtant, quand vous ratez une balle, vous n’avez qu’une envie, c’est de hurler : « Ça me fait ch... ». [Il explose de rire.]

Ces quatre mousquetaires, ils ont tous une personnalité différente. Vous pourriez les résumer en un mot ?
[Il réfléchit longuement.] Non, je ne pourrais pas, je ne saurais pas choisir un mot. Ce que je peux dire, c’est qu’on n’a pas la même éducation. On n’est pas issus des mêmes endroits. Richard Gasquet, c’est le Sudiste, Gaël Monfils vient des tours de Paris et Gilles Simon a vécu dans les quartiers corrects de Fontenay-sous-Bois. On a chacun des valeurs différentes.

On vous sent l’âme d’un chef de meute...
Je sais que je peux l’être. Maintenant, ce n’est pas à moi de décider si je suis le chef. Il faut que les autres acceptent de me désigner comme tel ou alors ce sont les résultats qui parleront.


I don't have the time to translate but I like what he says about Richie and the Gonzo match :lol:



 
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