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‘The ATP circuit has become sad, boring and ridiculous’, says Benoit Paire


Benoit Paire has opened up on his struggle to cope with the challenges of playing tennis during the coronavirus pandemic.

The 31-year-old Frenchman lost to 17-year-old Danish qualifier Holger Rune in the second round of the ATP 250 event in Santiago on Wednesday.

Since the ATP Tour resumed following a five-month break from March last year, the world No. 29 has lost 10 of his 12 matches.

In an Instagram post after his defeat to Rune, Paire said: “Firstly, congratulations to Holger (Rune) who I appreciate a lot and wish him good luck in his career.

“Secondly, thank you to my loved ones who sent me messages of support that really make me feel good.

“Thirdly, I will speak from the ATP circuit that has become sad, boring and ridiculous.

 

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A post shared by Benoit Paire (@benpaire)

“I know you’re going to say you don’t realise how lucky you are, bla-bla-bla, but playing in closed-door stadiums without any atmosphere is not why I play tennis.

“To stay either at the hotel or in the tennis club and be banned from leaving under penalty of exclusion and fine, or is the pleasure of traveling?

“For me, playing tennis has become a tasteless profession. So yes, it takes me some time to adapt to this psuedo ATP circuit but I will make the efforts to try to find just the joy of playing tennis again.

“I don’t talk about results, I’m going to play Acapulco and Miami after thinking a lot, and my goal will be just to have a smile on the field and like to hit a ball.

“Whether I win or lose I don’t care royally.”


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.