Babolat Issues Official Statement on Benoit Paire and Fabio Fognini Outbursts
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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, which has created a huge impact since last year, has been putting a strain on sports in general and the world in particular for over a year. It even caused tennis professionals Benoit Paire and Fabio Fognini to lash out against the sport and on their opponents on court.
Italian veteran Fabio Fognini was defaulted during his second-round match at the Barcelona Open after he allegedly lost his temper and hurled verbal abuse that was picked up by a line judge.
As for Benoit Paire, the French Tennis Federation announced that they won’t be considering him for selection of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The decision was due to Paire’s behaviour at recent events in Buenos Aires, when he was penalised for spitting, and in Monte Carlo. At Monaco, the Frenchman lost in the first round and then started a foul-mouthed rant at the current state of a sport that has already brought him $9 million in prize money.
Racquet manufacturers Babolat issues stern statement over recent acts
Babolat is one of the most trusted brand for tennis racquets with Rafa Nadal as their biggest ambassador. Both Fognini and Paire are associated with Babolat. They issued a statement and conveyed that they endorse team spirit and friendship.
The message read: “At Babolat, tennis runs in our blood. We believe in the strength of our sport and, defend its values of respect, fair play, team spirit, friendship and fun of the game. Sometimes a family member can go through a complex period and forget the importance of these values and the example we must pass on to all fans of the sport.”
“Concerned about the recent outbursts of Benoit Paire and Fabio Fognini, we have informed them that we do not approve of their behavior. Today, we reaffirmed our values and the importance of respecting them. We will think in more detail with Benoit and Fabio about the suites to be given and see together how to accompany them,”
Although after the incident, Fognini defended himself and said he paid for something he didn’t do.
Also read: Find Out: Serena Williams’ schedule for the Clay season
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Lakshya Chopra
(2595 Articles Published)