The blood disorder causes people to produce odd-shaped red blood cells.
They do not live as long as normal cells and also have trouble getting into blood vessels.
As a result, circulation can be poor, especially after flying due to altitude.
And Tsonga has explained that the condition means he is laid out for up to five days at a time after travelling, resulting in his tough decision to not appear at Indian Wells.
He told EuroSport: “When I get off the plane, I’m not the same anymore and I need three, four, five days to recover my physical abilities.
What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that causes people to produce odd-shaped red blood cells.
They do not live as long as normal cells and also have trouble getting into blood vessels.
As a result, circulation can be poor, especially after flying due to altitude.
“I feel a bit tired, as if I have some kind of flu.
“This problem has prevented me from going on and being even more regular on the tournaments. I have only known about it for a few years.
“Today, it allows me to regulate a little better and to make choices like for Indian Wells where it will be too short for me.
“I will go and do the other tournaments where I’m sure to be good, like that, I avoid injury.”
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