After several difficult months, Benoît Paire is experiencing a lull. The Frenchman qualified for the main tournament of the Masters 1000 table in Madrid, this Sunday, by defeating the Argentinian Federico Coria (6-7 [5], 6-4, 6-2), the day after his victory against the American Brandon Nakashima (6-0, 3-6, 6-3). This is the first time in four months that the Avignonnais has lined up two successes in a row on the main success. He will face Argentinian Diego Schwartzamn in the first round of the main draw. A return to form that he explains, among other things, by a change in the rhythm of life.
Previously alone on the circuit, Paire has recently called on a young coach, Antoine Hamard. “I needed to have someone to watch during my matches, to feel supported,” he told L’Equipe. Having a coach also forces me to train more. I try to make efforts to get back in shape. I spend more time on the court, I go out a little less and I drink a little less. These two years of Covid have worn me down. In fact, I feel like a player coming back from injury. Winning matches makes my head feel good. »
The current 60th in the world also returned to his eight defeats in a row on the ATP circuit, before the saving success against Nakashima. “Such a long negative series, it had never happened to me. Inevitably, you think about it, he explained. In important moments, I am no longer the same player, I tense up and I can no longer play. I felt like winning a game had become impossible. »
