Drama at Paire-Llodra in Key Biscayne

I like to watch Benoit Paire and Michael Llodra, two uniquely talented Frenchmen, so I made a point to get to court 3 to see them second match on.

They played in Rotterdam earlier this year, a tough three setter eventually won by Paire. Expectations today were that Paire would win again in straights as the outdoor conditions would affect Llodra’s precise serve and volley tactics.

Paire held serve and then broke Llodra to start the match. He extended the lead to 3-0. That’s when the trouble started. At the changeover, Llodra began complaining to chair umpire D. Dumosois of France but it was spoken in French. Llodra sat in the chair to Dumosois’ left and looked up and made his point. Whatever he said seemed to irritate Paire who joined in the conversation by getting out of his chair and standing over Llodra (see above photo). I was right behind them but could not decipher what it was about, because everything seemed perfectly fair, normal and clean during the warm ups and the first three games. Paire eventually went to the baseline but then returned to the chair umpire stand to again join the discussion. Dumosois seemed to be pleading with Llodra.

The match continued normally, with a few extended stares by Paire after he hit some dazzling shots. Llodra remained stoic and focused. Paire served for the set at 5-3 but was broken.

Llodra served but was down 15-40. Paire yelled a big Vamos! but was not able to convert the two set points he had. Llodra continued to play his attacking tennis, Paire shanked one forehand way long. Llodra is one cool customer.

It went to a tiebreak, with Llodra getting the early mini break. But Paire got it back and had another set point on his own serve, but again failed to convert. Llodra won his next two points on serve and then won the set, showing no reaction whatsoever.

Llodra cruised to a 3-0 lead with Paire now complaining to his box which consisted of two people in the stands. There were no French media or coaches or player ticket users in any of the assigned areas. This was an odd match.

Llodra served for the match at 5-2 and finished the job when Paire sent a very makeable backhand up the line into the middle of the net. Llodra expressed no reaction, no joy or thrill with the win, none whatsoever. Paire walked straight for the umpire chair, shook hands with Dumosois and then picked up his bag and left the court. The crowd noticed Paire ignoring Llodra and booed him rather loudly as he exited. Paire gave one wave of his right hand and was gone.

Llodra, somewhat sheepishly, was quick to exit as well. Fans gave him a big cheer, one guy yelling “Big Mike This Is Your House!” Llodra signed one kid’s t-shirt.

I found and attempted to ask Dumosois for an explanation of the first set argument outside the arena but he told me he wasn’t allowed to talk about it now and quickly exited with another official who met him.

So there you have it. Llodra cruises by Paire and moves on to a second round meeting with #32 seed Fabio Fognini.

I will try to find out what exactly happened between Llodra and Paire…

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