Benoit Paire banned from representing France in Tokyo Olympics - here's why

Benoit Paire has been barred from representing France in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics due to multiple instances of 'inappropriate behavior'.

Benoit Paire in a file photo. (Image: Twitter)
By Shayne Dias | Apr 24, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

French tennis player Benoit Paire will not be representing France in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics due to multiple instances of ‘inappropriate behavior’. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) said his behaviour since the beginning of this year hurt the image of the sport.

“His deeply inappropriate behaviour since the start of the year seriously undermines the values ​​of sport, the image of tennis and is totally incompatible with the Olympic spirit,” FFT President Gilles Moretton said in a statement.

“It’s the duty of each player to respect the values of our sport and it is up to them to be exemplary on and off the court, especially vis-a-vis the young people of our country,” he added.

Multiple time offender

This isn’t the first time that Paire has landed himself in trouble. Indeed, the 31-year-old has a well-known reputation as a hothead.

He was thrown out of the 2016 Rio Olympics for spending excessive times away from the athletes’ village. He has also gone on record to make a number of controversial statements.

Benoit Paire was knocked out of the first round of the Australian Open in 2021 and slammed the organisers. The reason? The ‘shameful’ treatment of players during their quarantine period.

He also said that he is okay losing first round tennis matches as long as he makes money from the tournament in past interviews.

He also said after crashing out of the Monte Carlo Masters that it felt like playing in a cemetery. This was due to the absence of fans but, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, his statement felt insensitive.

Paire crashed out of last month’s Argentina Open after tanking his final service game. A defeat by Francisco Cerundolo led him to spit on the court. The referee duly docked a point from him.





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