"I can't care less about Tsonga's retirement" - says Benoit Paire

Benoit Paire was asked about the retirement of compatriot Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in a recent interview and the Frenchman surprised many by saying he doesn't care.

Benoit Paire has been a polarizing figure in the world of tennis especially since the pandemic started and his level dropped off. Since then he was accused of tanking, not giving any damn about tennis and while he confirmed it at times, the Frenchman was adamant that he tries very hard. It's been a rough season so far for him as he lost the majority of the matches he played.

It's something that doesn't bother him directly as he explained:

"Losing is not that bad, what interests me is the way I am training. I feel a lot of pressure in the decisive points; a pressure I shouldn't feel. I've been injured several times this year, I've barely won three games, but I'm here. I was lucky to have the opportunity to play. It's a shame because when I feel like I'm training well, I don't play as well in a match."

He further said:

"I'm trying. I train twice a day, I go to the gym. In the end, I play better when I train less. I always hated losing, but now I don't get mad I don't win. I don't know what to do, really. I tried to hire a coach, but the problem is another. I don't want to go to a psychologist, I don't care, I know that everything will be as it was before. I just need to win a couple of games this year to get things back on track."

He was also asked about the retirement of Tsonga to which he said:

"Honestly, I couldn't care less. It's his career. He was a great player, an excellent tennis player, but I prefer to focus on myself. Things are difficult for me too."