Tsonga To Make Estoril Open Debut

© AFP/Getty ImagesJo-Wilfried Tsonga will make his Estoril Open debut next week.

Former World No. 6 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has confirmed his participation at the Estoril Open next week.

The Frenchman, who has a 21-13 lifetime record on clay-courts, will make his debut at the Estadio Nacional alongside Robin Soderling, Fernando Verdasco and Juan Martin del Potro.

"I would like to thank the tournament for the wild card," said Tsonga. "I am extremely happy to come and play in Portugal for the first time. I am looking forward to my week there and to play some good tennis."

Tsonga has a 12-7 record on the season, highlighted by a run to the Rotterdam final (l. to Soderling) and a Doha semi-final exit (l. to Federer).

His best result on red dirt came in April 2008, when he reached the Casablanca semi-finals (l. to Simon). A few months earlier he reached the Australian Open final (l. to Djokovic).

View Tsonga's ATP World Tour Profile

"Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is one of those who can 'bring down' a whole stadium with just one gesture, a smile or even slam dunk smash," said João Lagos, the Estoril Open Tournament Director. "His empathy with the public is something unique today on the men professional circuit.

"Personally, I would risk to say that since Jimmy Connors no other player interacts so strongly with spectators as Tsonga does. I'm sure the Portuguese will appreciate his participation and for sure they'll be delighted with his spectacular offensive style of play, as well as I hope Tsonga will seduce the Portuguese fans as he does everyone around the world.

"With such variety on the entry list, Tsonga's debut in Portugal will bring even more interest to the 22nd Estoril Open, and once again we could present our fans with something new. A player with such a different personality and character so different from other players that have been visiting Estoril Open in the last few years."