French tennis player Benoit Paire has again hit out at the current conditions on the ATP Tour following his exit from the Mexican Open.
The world No.31 fell 6-3, 6-1, to Stefanos Tsitsipas in what is his third consecutive first round loss on the Tour. Despite the defeat Paire says he is pleased to be out of the tournament due to the restrictions players currently have to abide by. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic various tournaments have implemented their own rules to help minimise the threat of an outbreak. Including the use of ‘bubbles’ which is a designated area as to where players have to stay during the tournament.
“I lost in the first round, it’s better, I will be able to get out of the bubble quickly and enjoy a few days before Miami,” Paire said after the match.
“Tennis is not my priority for the moment. Getting out of the bubble is the only goal I have at every tournament.”
Other players on the Tour have also previously spoken about the difficulties of life on the Tour during the pandemic. Denis Shapovalov said earlier this week at the Dubai Tennis Championships that he wouldn’t be playing much this year if it required him entering bubbles because ‘it is extremely difficult mentally to be locked up’ in his opinion.
Although in Paire’s case he has attracted controversy in recent weeks due to his antics on the Tour. At the Argentina Open he was penalised for spitting on the court following a dispute with the umpire over a call that was made. During the same match he was also accused of tanking in the final game which is against the rule book. After the incident he posted a screenshot on Twitter of his career earnings in a move done to suggest that he doesn’t care if he gets fined or not.
Ironically Paire now says that the reduction in prize money due to the pandemic has impacted on his motivation. Something that has also been previously mentioned by women’s tennis star Elina Svitolina.
“I come (to tournaments), I make some money, then I go to the next tournament: I do my job,” he stated.
“If you win an ATP 250, you only get $30,000. I took a check of $10,000 each time by directly losing [in the first round.
“Why tear yourself away like a crazy person to earn just a little more?”
As regards to the latest performance from the 31-year-old, he has once again come under fire with some questioning his efforts in the match. Journalist Morgado said it was an ‘absolutely pathetic effort’ and French newspaper L’Equipe commented that he ‘failed to ward off his demons.’ Paire also argued with the officials during his match with Tsitsipas.
Paire, who has won three ATP titles in his career, has previously described the Tour as ‘sad, boring and ridiculous’ due to the COVID-19 restrictions. He has only won one match so far this season.
