Benoit Paire wins first tournament since 2019 to mark improving return to tennis

| by Alex Waite

Benoit Paire won his first tennis title since 2019 after beating Yuta Shimizu in the Puerto Vallarta Open final.

Paire bounced back from a set down to defeat Shimizu and the victory marked a momentous moment for the French player following a period of instability in his professional career.

In June 2022, Paire announced that he would take a break from tennis indefinitely. The revelation came following poor form in the 2022 season and the 33-year-old posted an honest and heartfelt Instagram post to share his break from the game.

Paire ready to return back to the top; announces appointment of coach
Paire ready to return back to the top; announces appointment of coach

"I'm having a disastrous start to the season, I'm not playing my best tennis, I'm not at my best mentally but it's Roland Garros and it's my favorite tournament where something magical can happen. Let's have an incredible time whole!! I don't promise you the best tennis match of your life, but let's set this court on fire and love it!!!"

Paire said in June 2022 before taking an indefinite break

After his withdrawal from professional tennis, Praire then explained that he had been struggling with depression and that he needed help to refocus his long-term goals and ambitions.

However, since the beginning of 2023, the 33-year-old revealed that he has changed his partying lifestyle and got back into match fitness by training at the Nadal Academy in Mallorca.

"I cut a little, I refocused on the important things, I stopped going out, partying, and drinking alcohol. I paid attention to a lot of things. To resume sports hygiene. That's what I missed for two years. There, I want to do it, I don't know why now."

Paire on re-focussing in 2023

With his latest victory at the Puerto Vallarta Open, Paire will be looking for further success in future ATP competitions as he aims to climb back up the men's world rankings.

Next up for the French player is the Arizona Tennis Classic in Phoenix where he will face Leandro Riedi in the qualifying rounds.

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