Benoit Paire excluded from the Olympics: "Incompatible with the Olympic spirit"
Benoit Paire is banned from participating in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. That was decided by the French tennis federation.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Apr 23, 2021, 02:18 pm
Doesn't he care? You don't know (yet). It is now certain, however, that Benoit Paire will not fly the French flag at the Olympic Games in Tokyo this year.
The French Tennis Federation (FFT) decided on the proposal of the "Direction Technique Nationale", out of a "sense of responsibility for our sport and for France", as FFT President Gilles Morettin is quoted in a statement. "Its behavior has changed since the beginning of this year, it undermines the values of sports like tennis and is absolutely incompatible with the spirit of the Olympic Games. I repeat myself: it is the duty of every player, every world-class player, the values of our sport To respect. And it's up to them to be a role model, on us off the pitch, especially for the young people in our country. "
Paire (ATP No. 35) is currently number 4 in France, behind Gael Monfils (No. 15), Ugo Humbert (No. 31) and Adrian Mannarino (No. 34).
Paire: "No more fire"
Most recently, the ball artist had caused more sensation with listless appearances than with his fine hand: Paire had recently described the ATP tour as "ridiculous" , and he had given away a few matches. Playing without spectators and life in the bubble is currently causing problems for some players, but Paire sees no point in it for himself.
In Monte Carlo he showed at least some commitment , but not without explaining afterwards that he didn’t care about the result. "Playing in a cemetery like this is simply no longer possible," he complained. "All the players think so. I may be the only one saying it." Tennis is currently not doing him any good, "I have no more fire," said Paire.