"Happy I won today" - Molcan after win over Tsonga in Lyon

Competing at the Open Parc Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Lyon for the last time Monday, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s finale at the ATP 250 event was spoiled by Alex Molcan.

Frenchman Tsonga, who will retire after Roland Garros, lifted the trophy in Lyon in 2017 and reached the semi-finals in 2007 and 2008. However, the former World No. 5 was unable to match Molcan’s intensity in their first-round clash, suffering a 6-4, 6-4 defeat on home soil in one hour and 32 minutes. Molcan said:

"I am really happy I won today. It was a pleasure to play against Jo. He is a legend of the sport and I am really happy I could play him at least once in my career. I remember him playing, he was unbelievable. The emotions, everything."

Tsonga enjoyed a very long applause from the crowd after leaving the court for the final time in Lyon as he prepares to make his final tournament appearance next week in Paris.