Frenchman Benoit Paire’s ATP Cup win in Brisbane has been tarnished by an on-court meltdown that has been called ‘pathetic’ and ‘disgusting’.
The almighty dummy spit came after the Frenchman dropped the second set in a tie-breaker after having taken the first against Serbian opponent Dusan Lajovic.
Paire blows up 💥
WATCH: @9Gem
STREAM: https://t.co/5bsqpECkOf#9WWOS #ATPCup pic.twitter.com/iT4TlUkK9M— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 6, 2020
Returning to his chair, Paire completely lost his cool.
He spat on the court, destroyed two racquets and flung two drink bottles.
The outburst was met with vociferous criticism online. Sport journalist Uche Amako labelled Paire’s apparent spit as “disgusting behaviour”.
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
The tantrum seemed to focus the player, who railled from his meltdown to prevail against his opponent 6-2, 6-7, 6-4.
The 30-year-old has fallen foul of authorities in the past, once spitting in protest at the 2018 Madrid Open.
Benoit Paire smashes THREE £200 rackets during hysterical rampage before being booed off during defeat at the Citi Open https://t.co/CEvwaQFhkf pic.twitter.com/7COWHmH5Sf
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) August 1, 2018
But the on-court displays haven’t always been negative.
During a match in Germany last year, a rally against compatriot Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made way for an impromptu game of football.
Jo Wilfried Tsonga and Benoît Paire just wanted a break from tennis… 👏️😂 pic.twitter.com/Y4MFw3riTS
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) June 19, 2019
That foot rally came to an end when Paire attempted a scissor kick but slipped on the grass surface.
He had already been warned in that match for throwing his racquet in the first set.
