"I just need to be good mentally" says Paire after further sucess in Cincinnati

Benoit Paire has been heavily criticized for his perceived lack of effort during the 2021 season. The Frenchman was well aware of the criticism but did not pay too much attention to them. He did explain that playing in front of empty stands does not motivate him which is somewhat true of several players.

Similar to his compatriot Monfils Paire is back to playing good tennis with the crowds slowly being allowed into the stands. On his Cincinnati success Paire said:

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“I think I was feeling good out of the court [this week]. I could enjoy life like the normal tour, like before. That’s why I play tennis. To travel around the world, to be in a nice city. To go here in Cincinnati to Kings Island Park with my girlfriend."

Asked whether he was practicing more than before Paire explained that for him the only thing that matters is his mental state. He said:

“I don’t need to play too much tennis, I don’t need to practise a lot. I just need to be good in my head. That’s why this week it was working well. And, when I’m ready to fight in my head, I think I can beat some very good players, and I can be like the Benoit Paire of before.”