Benoit Paire banned from Tokyo Olympics by French Tennis Federation due to ‘deeply ill-judged’ actions
Follow Us
Benoit Paire
Today, the French Tennis Federation announced that they won’t be considering World No.35 Benoit Paire for selection of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. This harsh decision to exclude France’s “enfant terrible” was proposed by the elite federation’s new technical director Nicolas Escude along with French Davis Cup captain Sebastien Grosjean.
The decision is in tandem with Paire’s behaviour at recent events in Buenos Aires, when he was penalised for spitting, and in Monte Carlo. At the Masters tournament in Monaco, Paire lost in the first round and then launched a foul-mouthed rant at the current state of a sport that has already brought him $9 million in prize money.
Paire had made a below the belt comment a few days back. Referring to the lack of spectators due to the Covid-19 pandemic at Monte Carlo, he said, “Tennis doesn’t make me happy anymore. To be here is an absolute sadness because it’s usually the best tournament in the world.”
Rafael Nadal says the decision must’ve been hard for Paire
Spanish World No.3 Rafael Nadal shared his views about France’s decision. Nadal and Paire have known each other for years now and Rafa said that the decision must’ve hard for the Frenchman.
He said: “I don’t want to say anything. He is a great person despite his lack of motivation in recent months. I understand the decision by the French Federation but knowing Benoit it must have been hard for him.”
Nadal is currently in Barcelona competing at the Barcelona Open. He has reached his record 13th semi-final at Barcelona and will come out on the ‘Pista Rafa Nadal‘ on Saturday to inch closer to his 12th Barca title.
Stay Updated!
Lakshya Chopra
(2634 Articles Published)