French tennis star Jo Wilfried Tsonga has pulled out of the upcoming Masters 1000 events in Madrid and Rome. Tsonga, who debuted in Madrid in 2008, won't be making his 11th consecutive appearance at the Spanish clay-court Masters 1000 event.

The Frenchman last played in Montpellier at the beginning of January. Tsonga injured his knee during his Montpellier semi-final clash against fellow compatriot Lucas Pouille and retired the match. The 33-year-old eventually decided to undergo a minor knee surgery at the beginning of April.

Tsonga's best result in Madrid came in 2013 when he made the quarter-finals. On the other side, Tsonga won't be making his return to Rome this year. The Frenchman, who has missed the last two editions of the Rome event, played in Rome for eight straight years from 2008 until 2015.

He made the Rome quarter-finals in 2010 and 2012. A place in the Madrid main draw has opened up for American Ryan Harrison following Tsonga's withdrawal. When it comes to Rome, a place in the Rome main draw has opened up for Tsonga's fellow compatriot Benoit Paire.

The Madrid Masters is due to take place from 6-13 May and the Rome Masters from 13-20 May, respectively. Also read: Bernard Tomic due to drop to his lowest ranking since 2010