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Paire’s Chances Vs. Fed Are Slim To None And Slim Is Out Of Town
11 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Scoop
![Benoit_Paire[1]](https://www.tennis-prose.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Benoit_Paire1.jpg)
When Benoit Paire plays Roger Federer in the semifinals of Rome tomorrow afternoon, it will be the Frenchman’s first semifinal appearance in a Master Series event.
So far Paire has played Federer twice and lost both matches, in Basel last year and Australia this year.
In Miami I asked Paire to describe how it feels to play the one and only Roger Federer…
Benoit Paire: “It was the worst. Because, for me, Federer is the most, the best player in the world. For me, when I’m against him on the court, it’s tough, I don’t play against Federer, I play against the most perfect player and it’s very difficult.”
Question: How do you feel you performed in your matches against Federer?
Benoit Paire: “I feel so bad [smiles].”
2012 Basel Q Federer 2-6 2-6
2013 Australian Open R128 Federer 2-6 4-6 1-6
Things are not looking so bright for Paire to reach the final of Rome but you what they say, matches ain’t won on paper they are won between the lines of the court. Crazier things have happened.
(Exclusive sneak peak Book excerpt from the forthcoming “Facing Federer.”)
(Photo by Henk Abbink)
"Federer is the most perfect player"
Steve · May 18, 2013 at 5:25 am
Very interesting. Fed has an easy confidence about him right now which if he faces Rafa in the final will help.
Scoop Malinowski · May 18, 2013 at 8:17 am
I’ll tell you right now Steve, Fed is gonna get trounced by Rafa in the final.
Steve · May 18, 2013 at 8:57 am
Yeah, well, you also told me Dimitorv would beat Gasquet and that Nole was the King of Clay.
I hope Fed swings freely, goes for winners early and has a good serving day.
Harold · May 18, 2013 at 10:59 am
How funny is it that Nadal takes 2 towels on the court, one foe each side. Guess he saves a second or two in between points. Think he got 2 warnings against Ferrer.
If it’s Nadal/ Fed final. Under /over is 6 games . Fed will get crushed, and pray for a month that Nadal is not on his side of the draw at Wimby
Marion Bartoli,Fans · May 18, 2013 at 2:40 pm
The more difficult it is for Benoit played against the best player tennis all time. It is also very difficult to play against a player who he is a big fan. This gives you a feeling of inferiority.
what is good for Benoit is that he is constantly growing. His great friendship with Stanislas Wawrinka, the shoot up. The Swiss is now the gateway to the top 10 with good results in Portugal and Madrid. Benoit succeeds big performances in Rome against three major players on clay.
Thank you dear friend Scoop for your good articles also. Nourredine.
Marion Bartoli,Fans · May 18, 2013 at 2:45 pm
INTERVIEW TODAY BENOIT PAIRE
ATP – Rome> Paire: “I always freaked playing Federer”
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In Rome, Benoit paire will play the semi-finals against Roger Federer tonight. An opponent he fears for having already faced twice on fast surfaces. Interviewed at a press conference:
“I always freaked out to play Roger, it has always been a model, and I did not experience this type of player. Roger, I’ve played twice and I did not see the ball. I really resented my matches in Australia on the Central (note: win Federer 6-2, 6-4, 6-1) at home in Basel (note: win Federer 6-2, 6-2 ) on its surface, while I prefer the clay. “
tootsie · May 18, 2013 at 2:48 pm
Slim has ridden back into town and he’s giving Federer all he can handle. You really should tone down your hyperbole Scoop. You end up looking foolish. Still think Berdych is ready to win a slam? Or that Djokovic is the king of clay?
Scoop Malinowski · May 18, 2013 at 4:55 pm
I picked Dimitrov there but did not tell you he would win with any certainty. Dimitrov has not shown that kind of consistency that he can get on a roll and you just know he will win, like Rafa on clay and Djokovic on clay or hard, or Serena on anything.
Scoop Malinowski · May 18, 2013 at 4:56 pm
Yeah Harold I noticed that a few weeks ago, you’re the first person who has made a mention of it. Another quirk of an eccentricity from Rafa. Wonder what’s next.
Scoop Malinowski · May 18, 2013 at 5:04 pm
Thank you Nourredine, Paire is a great player himself IMO and I think he will show it in the future. It has to be hard for him to perform vs. Federer, this happens in tennis, the young player just fizzles against a player they respect so much – Delpo vs Hewitt, Almagro vs. Ferrer, Verdasco vs. Nadal, Bogomolov vs. Hewitt. But Fed didn’t have that problem vs. Sampras ) I believe in Benoit though Nourredine.
Scoop Malinowski · May 18, 2013 at 5:44 pm
Wow, Paire played Fed close 76 64. I didn’t see it but that score shows that Paire is just a few points away from beating Fed. I saw one of the hard court matches in Australia and he played terribly. Good to see he is comforting to the hard situation of having to play the “most perfect player.” Paire absolutely can beat Federer, he has the weapons and qualities, maybe it will happen even the next time they meet.