20 questions: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

One of the most popular, flamboyant players on Tour, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga attracts crowds around the world. But what does the Frenchman like away from the court? We asked him 20 questions.

What is the greatest benefit of being famous?
To be free, to be able to do what I want when I want.

What quality do you most like in other people?
Generosity and simplicity.

What annoys or frustrates you the most?
Everything unfair and there is no justice.

What do you most like in yourself?
I’m always loyal.

What do you dislike in yourself?
To be honest, maybe sometimes I’m like I don’t care about things. I would like to have more self-discipline.

What has been your best moment on a tennis court?
My best moment I think was the (2008) final in Paris Bercy. I won against (David) Nalbandian in the final and all my friends, all my family were in the stands, and that’s maybe the most beautiful thing that can happen to somebody.

What has been your worst moment on a tennis court?
I think the day when I broke my back. I had this problem when I was 19 and it took me three years to come back. (Tsonga suffered a herniated disc at the end of 2004 and then further shoulder, back and abdominal injuries which limited him to only eight tournaments in both 2005 and 2006)

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself when your career started?
Do what you think is good for you.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Respect yourself.

What would be your perfect day?
I wake up, I go for a little jogging, 30 minutes. Then I have breakfast, then I prepare a little picnic and go with friends to a park or somewhere for the picnic, playing Frisbee. Then in the afternoon I’m playing soccer or tennis, then have a good dinner with friends or family. Then go to bed with my girlfriend.

What talent, other than tennis, would you like to have?
To be able to sing, because I’m not able at all. Or to play an instrument.

What has been your most extravagant purchase?
My house.

What living person do you most admire?
My parents.

What is your greatest fear?
I’m afraid to feel I didn’t live my life, make the most of it.

What is your most treasured possession?
I think my phone. I don’t want to lose my phone. If I lose my phone I lose my life. I’m always outside my home or my town so if I lose my phone … I’ve got three. But I don’t know. To be honest I’m not really attached to materials. The most thing I’m afraid to lose is my friends and family. That’s it. Nothing more.

If you weren’t a tennis player what would you like to be?
A nice guy. I don’t know. I’ve always wished to be a tennis player or sportsman.

Where is the best place you’ve ever been?
Tennis makes me travel a lot so I visit many countries, so I can’t say there is a place better than another one. With my past, with my colour skin, I always love what is different. So for me everything is beautiful.

Where would you most like to go that you haven’t been to yet?
New Zealand.

Who would you most like to have as a dinner guest – living or dead?
Family and friends.

How would you like to be remembered?
Like a good guy who gives his best on the court and is respected because he is simple.

Barry Wood has reported on the game for over 35 years, attending his first Australian Open at Kooyong before going on to interview almost every top player as well as many others for numerous publications.