Benoit Paire tanks through bizarre US Open finish: ‘Demons are back’

Benoit Paire definitely appeared able to bid the 2022 U.S. Open adieu.

In a weird transfer Tuesday, the 33-year-old Frenchman was seen packing up his belongings through the third set towards the UK’s Cameron Norrie, who was up 5-0 on the time.

“Benoit’s simply packing his stuff up,” Naomi Broady of BBC Radio 5 stated, in keeping with The Mirror. “He has put all his rackets in his bag and handed his sweaty shirt to somebody within the crowd. That will not be a shirt I'd wish to obtain. Does he understand he has one other sport to go?”

"My demons are again once more…"

Benoit Paire was packing his racquets into his bag earlier than shedding the match on his personal serve 👋#USOpen | @benoitpaire

— Eurosport (@eurosport) August 30, 2022

Paire in the end misplaced to Norrie, 6-0, 7-6 (7-1), 6-0. The French professional, who has been accused of tanking previously, dropped the third set in lower than 20 minutes, main tennis pundits to invest as as to if or not he’d be fined for Tuesday’s effort.

“Paire isn’t even making an attempt. Huge effective coming,” tennis commentator José Morgado tweeted earlier than following up with, “He's now making an attempt.”

Sportswriter Mike Dickson additionally tweeted, “Cam Norrie beats the hardly making an attempt Benoit Paire in 6-0 7-6 6-0. First set took 18 minutes, the third 19 minutes. If it was a horse race there could be a stewards’ inquiry.”

Paire, who is predicted to obtain $80,000 for Tuesday’s match, spoke candidly about his future within the sport after the defeat.

Benoit Paire returns a shot to Cameron Norrie throughout their first-round match on the U.S. Open on August 30, 2022.

AP

Cameron Norrie speaks with Benoit Paire after successful their U.S. Open match on August 30, 2022.

AP

“I used to be main 5-3, I may have taken the second set, it will have executed me good within the head, however my demons got here again once more, the double faults, and it begins on a regular basis the identical,” Paire informed the French outlet, L’Equipe, per Yahoo Sports activities Australia.

“We’ll see what occurs. I’m undecided to proceed the season, perhaps cease there and see if I resume subsequent yr.”

Paire, who as soon as ranked No. 18 on this planet, added, “Even at Grand Slams, I discover it tough to combat. I hope someday to discover a motivation, one thing that may make me love tennis. Proper now, I’m the happiest after I’m at house and the unhappiest after I’m within the match.”

As for Norrie, the world’s present No. 9, he'll face Portugal’s João Sousa within the second spherical on Thursday.