Tsonga's Unfulfilled Dream with the Davis Cup: "I Would Like to Be Captain"

Fernando Murciego - 22 Oct 2026 | 19:27
ATP Copa Davis Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Francia

The Frenchman, who has been retired since 2022, is back with statements expressing his desire to be the next French Davis Cup captain. So far, the timing for him to fulfill this dream has not materialized, but if he continues to push in that direction, it seems it will be only a matter of time.

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Jo-Wilfried Tsonga confesses the dream he still has to fulfill in tennis: "I have it in my blood." Source: Getty

Although it has been a while since he retired, the figure of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has never ceased to be connected to tennis, even if it has been at the grassroots level with younger players. However, an old dream still resonates in his mind that he has yet to achieve: to be the captain of Davis Cup. "I have it in my blood," confessed the Frenchman, who has recently reopened the door to solidifying his candidacy for the future.

The former world number five, who stepped away from professional tennis in 2022, had previously expressed his interest in taking the position in 2023 when Sébastien Grosjean left to coach Arthur Fils. Tsonga then positioned himself as a figure capable of connecting different generations of French tennis, convinced that his experience could help build a more united team. However, the Federation ultimately opted for Paul-Henri Mathieu, leaving the ex-player without the opportunity he so desired.

Tsonga and the Davis, a dream that remains intact

The story did not end there. The main obstacle was related to potential conflicts of interest arising from his tennis academies, an explanation that Tsonga publicly questioned. The Frenchman believes that his involvement in player development should not necessarily be incompatible with the responsibility of leading the national team. In fact, his knowledge of the circuit and his relationship with different generations of players could be arguments in his favor.

In November 2025, the former Australian Open finalist made it clear that he did not rule out aspiring to the position again, although he expressed some disappointment with how the process had developed. He also recalled the figure of Yannick Noah, another reference in French tennis who ended up taking the leadership of the team despite the reservations he generated in certain sectors. Tsonga seemed to find a parallel with his own situation in that precedent.

Now, his statements to RMC Sport bring the matter back to the table. His desire to be captain remains present, although the possibility of it materializing will depend on whether circumstances change and there is a real will to have him on board. For Tsonga, the Davis Cup represents much more than a team competition. It is an opportunity to give back to French tennis part of what it has given him throughout his career and to contribute from another position to the future of a generation seeking to regain international prominence.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El sueño pendiente de Tsonga con la Copa Davis: "Me gustaría ser capitán"