Jo-Wilfried Tsonga quits against Taylor Fritz in Monte Carlo

The Frenchman retires in the first round due to a back problem.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga reacts as he leaves the court after withdrawing himself on Tuesday.

American Taylor Fritz profited from Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s back problem, advancing 6-4, 2-0 on Tuesday when the Frenchman retired in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Tsonga’s pullout after 57 minutes on court was a setback as he returns from 2018 knee surgery.

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The Frenchman, who turns 34 on Wednesday, reached the semifinals here in 2013 and 2016 but did not compete on the clay last spring. He reached the semifinals last week in Marrakech, losing to countryman Benoit Paire.

Fritz, ranked 65th, was making his Monte Carlo debut and ended a run of four first-round losses dating to February.