SUMMARY
- French tennis star Benoit Paire, currently competing in ATP 250 tournament opened up about his on-court battles and struggles with alcohol.
- Addressing fans' criticisms, Paire denied being an alcoholic but acknowledged the need for change.
Benoit Paire, the French tennis star who last played at the ATP 250 tournament in Montpellier, recently opened up about his struggles, bringing to light not only his on-court battles but also his struggles with alcohol. He has been riding a wave of criticism from fans over the past few years but has responded to his detractors in style.
The current world no. 112, Benoit Paire who once had a career-high ATP ranking of 18 in the world, has often come under the spotlight for his drinking habits, and tennis fans have linked the same to his performances on the court. In an interview during the tournament, he candidly discussed his relationship with alcohol.
During a reflective moment, Paire shared, “I was left in the gutter” after a night out with three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka. Paire revealed that he went through a detox, emphasizing that he wasn’t an alcoholic but acknowledging his past drinking habits. Naysayers seized on this revelation, questioning his dedication to tennis.
In a chat with L’Équipe yesterday Wawrinka said Benoit Paire quit alcohol a week ago (him winning a Challenger the very next week is hilarious)
Also it’s throwing me back to that stage of the pandemic where they were wilding every day on IG Live 😂 pic.twitter.com/E7FuIW8Wq8
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) March 14, 2023
Addressing the remarks, Paire shared a candid account of his struggles on and off the court, emphasizing a turning point in his mindset during a Challenger tournament in Waco as a wake-up call. Despite acknowledging that he had consumed alcohol excessively, Paire denied being an alcoholic, attributing his detox and subsequent positive performance to a significant change in perspective.
After securing a remarkable comeback win at his home tournament, Paire, who had been undeterred by the negative comments about alcohol abuse, responded strongly. He expressed, “I continually hear these criticisms that I only drink alcohol and that there’s no point in me playing tennis…on a daily basis, it’s difficult.”
Paire’s words “left in the gutter” have become symbolic of his journey—a journey marked by personal lows and despair. However, his determination to succeed amid the constant clutter of criticism and his return to success has been truly noteworthy.
A remarkable comeback win for Benoit Paire over former world no. 1
Benoit Paire, after a year on the Challenger circuit, staged an impressive comeback at the Open Sud de France in Montpellier, marking a significant milestone in his career. Paire, who candidly shared his struggles and determination in a recent interview, secured his first ATP tour-level victory in two years by defeating former world no. 1 Andy Murray in a thrilling match at the ATP 250 event.
The encounter between Paire and Murray was a highly anticipated moment for tennis enthusiasts, considering the past matches between the two players. The match, lasting two hours and 43 minutes, unfolded with a roller-coaster of emotions that culminated in Paire’s victory with scores of 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-3.
Benoit Paire 🇫🇷 rallies to defeat Andy Murray 🇬🇧 in the opening round of the @OpenSuddeFrance in Montpellier. #ATPTour #Montpellier https://t.co/QrWByX9jtD
— TennisTourTalk (@TennisTourTalk) January 29, 2024
Paire’s strength in serve, shown in his eight aces, played a pivotal role in overcoming the formidable opponent. This triumph marked Paire’s first ATP tour-level win since the 2022 Washington Open, where he emerged victorious against Peter Gojowczyk in round one.
The victory not only broke a two-year drought for Paire but also showcased his resilience and commitment to reclaiming his position among the elite in the tennis world. Paire’s ability to overcome both personal and professional challenges resonated with fans, turning the victory into a shared celebration for the French ace.