LONDON — Former world No. 5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has admitted to playing through injury in a high-profile exhibition match to secure a lucrative £750,000 payday, revealing he "couldn't even hold a drink properly" due to the severity of his shoulder injury at the time.
The French tennis star, who retired in 2022, made the startling confession during an interview with L'Équipe, detailing his participation in the 2019 Match for Africa exhibition against Roger Federer in Cape Town. The event, which drew a record 51,954 spectators, raised funds for Federer's charitable foundation.
The Injury Dilemma
Tsonga, then 34, was battling a persistent shoulder injury that had sidelined him for much of the 2019 season. "I knew I wasn't fit," he admitted. "But the opportunity was too big—the money, the crowd, the chance to play Roger in that setting. I couldn't say no."
The financial incentive was substantial: a guaranteed £750,000 appearance fee, nearly double what he would have earned for reaching the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam that year. Tsonga, who had already undergone multiple surgeries, acknowledged the risks but prioritized the payout.
The Physical Toll
Despite his compromised condition, Tsonga pushed through the match, losing 6-4, 6-3 to Federer. He later described the physical consequences:
- "I couldn’t serve properly—my shoulder was completely locked."
- "After the match, I couldn’t lift my arm for days."
- "The pain was unbearable."
The Aftermath
The decision had long-term repercussions. Tsonga’s injury worsened, forcing him to miss another six months of competition. "Looking back, it wasn’t worth it," he reflected. "But at the time, the money was life-changing."
The revelation has sparked debate about player welfare in exhibition matches, which often lack the medical oversight of official tournaments. Tennis analyst Mark Petchey noted, "Exhibitions are a gray area—players chase big paydays, but the physical cost can be devastating."
A Broader Issue
Tsonga’s admission highlights a growing concern in tennis: the financial pressure on aging stars to compete despite injuries. With prize money skewed toward top players, veterans often rely on exhibitions to supplement earnings.
- Exhibition fees can exceed tournament winnings.
- Medical protections are minimal compared to ATP/WTA events.
- Players risk career-ending setbacks for short-term gains.
The Federer Factor
Federer, who organized the event, was unaware of Tsonga’s condition. A spokesperson for the Federer Foundation stated, "Player health is paramount. Had we known, we would have advised against his participation."
Tsonga, now retired, says he doesn’t regret the decision but warns younger players: "Money is tempting, but your body has limits. Listen to it."
Conclusion
The incident underscores the difficult choices athletes face when balancing financial security with physical well-being. For Tsonga, the £750,000 payday came at a steep cost—one that ultimately shortened his career.
As exhibitions grow in popularity, the tennis world may need to reassess safeguards to protect players from similar dilemmas. "No paycheck is worth your health," Tsonga concluded. "But sometimes, you learn that too late."