The listlessness with which Benoît Paire performs against a Spaniard reaches new dimensions. But his subsequent post is cause for concern
For years, opinions have been divided on Benoît Paire.
For some, the French tennis pro enjoys cult status because of his spectacular style of play and his often provocative manner. For others, he is nothing but annoying because of his often listless play.
After Paire’s performance at the Challenger tournament in Malaga, the 34-year-old’s critics once again feel vindicated.
However, the listlessness in his match against Pedro Martínez from Spain, which bordered on refusal to work, reached dimensions that are extraordinary even by Paire’s standards.
He hit balls either deep into the net from close range or metres out. In other situations, he didn’t run after the ball at all. The result: at 0:6 in the first set, he only scored six points.
In the second set, he gave up at 2:4. The reactions in the net were not long in coming.
On social media, numerous users gave vent to their anger about the performance of the current number 123 in the world rankings. One called him a “disgrace to professional tennis”. Another even accused the Frenchman of “distorting the competition”.
Paire himself also spoke out after the match and his statement was more cause for concern about his mental health than criticism.
“I’m going through a difficult phase right now. I don’t feel good in my head right now as soon as I step on a tennis court. It happens,” he wrote on Instagram. “Now it’s up to me to find solutions to have fun again. “
This statement not only explains Paire’s listless performance in Malaga, but also elicited numerous reactions under his post.
Not least his opponent Martinez cheered him up. He wrote: “Vamos, Benito”.
