“We criticise his attitude and say that he insults everyone, but everyone will watch him,” Benoit Paire defends Nick Kyrgios

“We criticise his attitude and say that he insults everyone, but everyone will watch him,” Benoit Paire defends Nick Kyrgios

Benoit Paire, Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios is one of the most polarising figures of tennis. While he sports one of the most compelling plays on the ATP Tour, his on and off court demeanour has often landed him in hot water. However, the World No.28, Benoit Paire has recently defended the Aussie’s actions which most have deemed as uncouth. 

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For instance, Kyrgios raked the biggest fine of $113,000 in ATP history due to his obscenity-laden, racquet-smashing meltdown in Cincinnati. Nick was charged with the hefty fine for ‘unsportsmanlike conduct,’ wherein he also spat towards the umpire, Fergus Murphy. Furthermore, the Aussie is often met with criticism for expressing his opinions on colleagues via his social media accounts.

Inspite of this, Kyrgios always draws a large audience no matter the court he’s set to compete on. Paire commended this very aspect and spoke in favour of his colleague.

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“His matches are always a show”- Paire on Kyrgios

Benoit Paire, Nick Kyrgios

In an interview with Racquet, Paire favoured Kyrgios and pointed out what makes the World No.45 so enthralling to watch.

“In my opinion, that’s why guys like Nick Kyrgios and Fabio Fognini are doing a lot of good for tennis. I like their insanity. Kyrgios, when he played in the second round of the U.S Open in 2019, it was on a show court and it was full. We criticize his attitude and say that he insults everyone, he has no drive, and that he doesn’t want to play, but at the end of the day everyone will watch him. Folks know that something is going to happen. His matches are always a show,” the Frenchman stated.

Benoit also gave an insight on the incident at Wimbledon 2019 wherein after his loss against Rafael Nadal, Nick gulped three beers. Paire added, “At Wimbledon in 2019, I walked into the locker room. Kyrgios had just lost to Nadal in the second round. He had barely gotten off the court. I saw him order three beers and gulp them down. Then he left for his press conference.”

“No big deal! Nick, he’s a good guy, sincere, doesn’t worry much, and makes good money. The Australian media will tear him apart, but he stays the same. He just doesn’t give a damn,” he concluded.

Also Read: “Thought of taking a year off” Nick Kyrgios sheds light on the tough battle he’s had with depression