![Benoit_Paire[1]](https://www.tennis-prose.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Benoit_Paire1.jpg)
By Scoop Malinowski
Status: ATP no. 227. Winner of three career ATP singles. Highest ranking was no. 18 in 2016.
DOB: May 8, 1989 In: Avignon, France
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 187
First Tennis Memory: “I don’t have a lot of memories because I wasn’t watching a lot of tennis but I’m gonna say…what can I say…maybe when I went to the Open 12 in France in Marseilles. I saw (Arnaud) Clement play, for me he was a big star. He gave me a towel and for me that was a big moment [smiles].”
Tennis Inspirations: “For me, Marat Safin. He’s a very good player, very interesting to watch, a very good backhand, good serve, I return a bit like him. He was better, but [smiles].”
Current Car: “Ah, I don’t have license [smiles].”
Last Book Read: “A singer in France, he gave me his book and I read it.”
Greatest Sports Moment: “Winning Swedish Open (first title Bastad 2015). US Open (2015) beat Nishikori in first round (64 36 46 76 64). It was a great match, I saved two match points. Or fourth round French Open (2019) Nishikori, it was a great match, even though I lost 26 76 26 76 57. It was a nice atmosphere.”
Most Painful Moment: “I think in Key Biscayne (2013) against Llodra. It was a puzzlement because he was a good friend and we had a fight on the court. I don’t like it.
Favorite Tournament: “I’m gonna say Roland Garros.”
Strangest Match: “Yeah, I’m gonna say one more time against Llodra. Because it was strange and I don’t know what happened.”
Best You Ever Felt On Court: Rome (2013 QF) against Marcel Granollers. The score was 62 60 (actually it was 61 60). I felt that was the best I ever played. I beat Del Potro in the round of 16 (64 76). Lost in semi to Federer close match (67 46). I made the finals of Montpelier before that (lost to Gasquet 26 36).
Closest Tennis Friend(s): “I’m gonna say Wawrinka.”
Funniest Player Encountered: “Matosevic [smiles].”
Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: “Football – soccer.”
Funny Tennis Memory: “Nothing.”
Embarrassing Tennis Memory: “I feel so bad the first time I played Federer. It was the worst. Because for me Federer is 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.”
Three Athletes You Like To Watch & Follow: “Didier Drogba. And…who can I say…Clement Grenier, he’s a French player for football. And Wawrinka.”
Why Do You Love Playing Tennis: “Because it’s a sport to entertain. I love to play We’re on the court and we have to choose what we want to do. I love to try different shots and express different emotions. We could do what we want and for me it’s the most important.”
First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: “I think Clement because we live an hour away. He lives in Aix-en-Provence, I practice in Aix-en-Provence. So he was the first guy that I meet.”
People Qualities Most Admired: “Honesty.”
PHOTO CREDIT: HENK ABBINK
Babolat · Benoit Paire · France
Hartt · February 14, 2017 at 6:50 pm
Had not realized that Paire has just 1 ATP singles title.
Love his comment about playing Federer. Imagine he is not the only player who feels like that. 🙂
Scoop Malinowski · February 14, 2017 at 6:55 pm
Paire should have won more titles as he is an amazing talent. He looked superb today vs Cilic with so many flashes of brilliance and awe-inspiring tennis but he couldn’t get the job done. The sixth game of the third set at 3-2 he had six break points to get the break back but he couldn’t do it and then just basically tanked after that. At the 2-5 changeover Paire was seen packing his bags. He lost the last game at love. Physically athletically Paire is a beautiful talent and super mover but his mind and heart lacks that ferocious fighting spirit that it takes to be a top notch elite pro player.
Hartt · February 15, 2017 at 5:00 am
I saw parts of that match with Cilic and Paire looked like he was limping at times, so that may explain why he basically went away in the third set.
As you say, he is an amazing talent. I would like to root for him but find he is too much of a head case. But it is sad when a player does not fulfill his potential.
Scoop Malinowski · February 15, 2017 at 8:30 am
Hartt: I believe 90% of all tennis injuries could be bluffs 🙂
Bryan · February 21, 2017 at 7:46 pm
“Key Biscayne four years ago against Llodra. It was a puzzlement because he was a good friend and we had a fight on the court.”
LOL I remember that. Paire is a mental midget. Who the hell gets in a fist fight with their friend anywhere, let alone on an actual tennis court?