Jo Wilfried Tsonga granted wildcard into Australian Open
French tennis star Jo Wilfried Tsonga has been granted a reciprocal wildcard into the Australian Open, the French Tennis Federation announced.
Tsonga, a former world No. 5, has plummeted to No. 258 following his injury-marked 2018 campaign.
The 33-year-old, who debuted at Melbourne Park in 2007, is set to make his 12th appearance at opening Grand Slam event of the season.
Tsonga came close to winning it all at the Australian Open in 2008 but eventually fell just short.
The Frenchman won the opening set of the final against world No. 1 Novak Djokovic before the Serb went on to win three sets in a row and clinch his maiden Grand Slam title.
Tsonga's second-best campaign at Melbourne Park came in 2010 -- when he reached the semi-final before losing to eventual champion Roger Federer.
The 33-year-old also made the quarter-final at the Australian Open in 2009, 2013 and 2017.
The Frenchman didn't make a deep run at Melbourne Park this year as he was edged out by Australian Nick Kyrgios in a tight four-setter in the third round.
Tsonga has performed well at Melbourne Park throughout his career but it won't be easy for him to make a deep run at the tournament in January.
The Frenchman will likely be handed a tough draw as he won't be a seeded player at the Australian Open.
The Australian Open is due to be held from 14-27 January.
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