Benoit Paire was, at his peak, one of the more entertaining players to watch on the ATP Tour due to his propensity to play attractive tennis, but these days, he delivers a different type of entertainment.
Paire was, at one point, one of the better players in the world because his talent has always been out of this world. His touch, particularly whether it was a drop shot, a lob, or a volley, was tremendous and created many highlights that are plastered all over the internet.
His results were good at one point as well, but ever since the pandemic, Paire has seemingly lost the joy of playing tennis. He had plenty of shocking results and quick losses, which indicate a very low level of concern with effort and the scoreline.
He lost 23 out of 30 matches he played this year. In June, he announced indefinite break from tennis, but soon returned back. Later in July, the Frenchman revealed that he battles with depression.
Paire found himself being booed by the crowd more than once during that time for his perceived lack of effort, but on some days, he does find the inspiration to play well.
In the first round of the 2022 Citi Open in Washington, Paire recorded one of a few victories this season when he defeated Peter Gojowczyk, 7-5, 6-4. However, in the second round, he faced the ninth-seeded Holger Rune who beat him in an hour and 18 minutes.
He lost that match and, after the match, ripped off his shirt in an act of defiance toward the unrelenting sun that had been bothering both players for much of the match.
The scene wasn’t so much bizarre as it was funny, as Paire jokingly offered his ripped shirt to his opponent as they shook hands at the net.
The crowd had a nice chuckle at that moment, but in the end, Paire was allowed to keep his shirt as a memento of a lighter moment on the court. It’s not the first time he caused a scene on a tennis court, but compared to some other moments, this one was rather lighthearted.