'Pathetic behaviour': Tennis world erupts over star's 'disgusting' act
Benoit Paire has been widely condemned after a ‘disgusting’ meltdown at the ATP Cup.
Paire was in action for France against Serbia on Monday night when he completely lost his mind.
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The world No.24 had crushed Dusan Lajovic 6-2 in the opening set, but was left incensed when he didn’t wrap up the match in the second.
After wasting a match point and allowing Lajovic to take the second set, Paire erupted.
The Frechman obliterated his racquet in a furious meltdown, throwing two water bottles onto the court in the process.
But it was the moment he appeared to spit on the court that left fans furious, with some labelling him ‘disgusting’ and ‘pathetic’.
Disgusting behaviour by Benoit Paire at the #ATPCup. Whatever his frustrations, you don’t spit on the court, smash two rackets and throw a bottle. Unreal level of petulance. Pathetic behaviour... pic.twitter.com/6Se015uUWg
— Uche Amako (@UcheAmako) January 6, 2020
I always think that spitting is the worst thing anyone can do...absolutely disgusting 🤢
— NovakDjokovicUKFan - Linda🐊 (@DjokovicUk) January 6, 2020
Beyond DISGUSTING😡 His concentration level lasts for about 1 minute when he plays well & then he smashes 2 rackets, spits, and finishes off throwing 3 bottles of water..and NO FINES FROM #ATPCup or @atptour
Come on‼️🤬🤬— Donna Smith McG 🦋❄️👩🎨 (@donnasfineart) January 6, 2020
I feel sorry for his teammates & captain. How embarrassing having that guy representing your country, carrying on like that. Esp the spitting & the throwing your water bottle part. Geez, get an anger management therapist dude
— Olivia 🦋 #Angusgate💧🌱☘ #ScoMoResign 🔥🏝🗑 (@ClimatePlanNow) January 6, 2020
Could you imagine the punishment given to players of other sports if they had that kind of meltdown?
He's a very poor example to up and coming tennis players. It shows a total lack of self control. Disgusting.— Bernie (@Beedub66Bernard) January 6, 2020
Paire did manage to keep his head and eventually went on to win the match in the third set.
Djokovic and Nadal steal the spotlight
However it wasn’t enough for France as Novak Djokovic inspired Serbia into the ATP Cup finals.
The world No.2, eyeing an eighth Australian Open title later this month, was impressive in a 6-3 6-2 win over world No.9 Gael Monfils to level the tie 1-1 in Brisbane on Monday night.
But it was the decisive doubles rubber that was the highlight, Djokovic partnering Viktor Troicki to beat Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-3 6-7 (7-5) 10-3 in an electric battle that stretched well beyond midnight.
The victory takes Serbia to 2-0 in the inaugural teams tournament and a lock for Sydney's quarter-finals - joining unbeaten Australia - ahead of Wednesday's final group clash with Chile in Brisbane.
Meanwhile, Davis Cup champions Spain reinforced their standing as the team to beat after world No.1 Rafael Nadal piloted his nation to a 3-0 whitewash of Uruguay in Perth.
Nadal crushed world No.45 Pablo Cuevas 6-2 6-1 and Roberto Bautista Agut needed less than an hour to see off unranked 19-year-old Franco Roncadelli in a 6-1 6-2 romp.
Nadal had been scheduled to also play in the doubles but was rested, with Pablo Carreno Busta and Feliciano Lopez going on to defeat Ariel Behar and Juan Martin Fumeaux 6-1 3-6 (10-3).
The 19-time grand slam champion was pleased with what he described as an improved performance after his 6-3 7-5 win over Georgia's world No.26 Nikoloz Basilashvili on Saturday.
"I think I played against two good players and I was able to win in straight sets," Nadal said.
"That helps. That means that I am doing things more or less well and after tomorrow, another opportunity."
Spain will look to secure a finals berth on Wednesday when they meet Japan, who won their tie against Georgia to move to 2-0 in Group B.
with AAP
