ATP Buenos Aires 2021: Benoit Paire spits on court and concedes the match after losing his cool in a ‘terrible display’ of sportsmanship


ATP Buenos Aires 2021: Benoit Paire spits on court and concedes the match after losing his cool in a ‘terrible display’ of sportsmanship
Benoit Paire

Benoit Paire, one of the most controversial figures in men’s tennis hit new highs of his ‘terrible on-court behavior’ at the Argentina Open. The Frenchman did every possible thing to make him the new devil on the men’s circuit. The third seed lost to the local favorite, Francisco Cerundolo, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.

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Things got heated up in the second set, when a Cerundolo serve was deemed to be an ace while Paire suggested that the ball should be called out, as it missed the line. After a rather long debate with the umpire, the Frenchman lost his cool and spat on the court. His actions earned him a code violation. However, the Frenchman was least bothered as he continued his rant.

Benoit Paire tanks during the final game in some disgusting behavior

As if spitting on court was not enough, Benoit Paire decided to perform another stunt towards the end of the match. After having resigned himself to fate, being 5-1 down in the third set, the Frenchman decided to end the match by himself. He purposely served double faults, with no intention of getting the ball in play.

Paire’s last serve was even more disgraceful, as he served the ball even when the ball-boy was on the court, collecting the balls. After the match, Paire had seemed to learn no lesson as he seemed to brag about his career prize earnings, implying that it was not necessary to be to a good tennis player to earn money.

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A video of him tanking in the final stages of the match can be found below.

The ATP will surely look into this matter and slap the Frenchman with a huge fine and possibly a suspension for crossing almost all boundaries in the quarterfinal clash.

Also Read: ‘Lucky to play in the same era as Roger, Rafa and Novak’: Jannik Sinner