Benoit Paire’s ‘deeply inappropriate behaviour’ means Tokyo Olympics is a no-go for him

Benoit Paire won’t represent France at the Tokyo Olympics after the country’s tennis federation barred him from the Games as they deemed his behaviour “totally incompatible with the Olympic spirit”.
The world No 35’s conduct and comments have raised a lot of eyebrows in recent weeks as he has lost nine out of 10 singles matches so far this season.
In the process he has made no secret of the fact that he is not a fan of the bubble life on the Tour, saying the “circuit has become rotten”.
‘I don’t give a damn. The circuit has become rotten,’ says Benoit Paire after Monte-Carlo Masters defeat
Paire was also involved in a verbal altercation with officials at the Argentina Open in March over a controversial ruling. He ended up spitting on a mark and after losing tweeted “it’s worth it to suck”.
After looking at his conduct, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) has ruled that he is not eligible for the Tokyo Games.
The FFT statement did add that Paire apologised after a meeting with president Gilles Moretton.
“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,” Moretton said.
“It is the duty of each player and each high-level player to respect the values of our sport and it is up to them to be exemplary on the court as well as off, especially vis-a-vis the young people of our country.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Australian Open
Third time lucky for Alfie Hewett as he sets sights on being ‘figurehead’ for wheelchair tennis
The 25-year-old from Norfolk won his maiden Australian Open wheelchair singles title.
-
Live Tennis
2023 Australian Open women’s final: Follow Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka with our live scores
This way for the action from the 2023 Australian Open.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic’s family ‘upset’ over flag uproar as Australian Open chief urges them ‘to be really careful’
“The family were very good. They were upset that it was taken that way.”
-
Australian Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas’ mentality and forehand labelled big weapons ahead of Novak Djokovic final
Stefanos Tsitsipas “in a different state of mind” after difficult 2022.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas labelled a dream final
It is almost time to settle the new World No 1.
-
Australian Open
Inside story on the technology propelling Stefanos Tsitsipas to the top
Adidas have taken its tennis offering to a new level with the release of their Adizero Cybersonic tennis shoe.
-
News
Australian Open day 12 wrap: Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas set popcorn final
Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid won their fourth successive Australian Open title in men’s wheelchair doubles.
-
Australian Open
Elena Rybakina made Australian Open favourite despite poor record against Aryna Sabalenka
Elena Rybakina’s experience of winning a Grand Slam gives her the edge.
-
Australian Open
2023 Australian Open men’s final info, form, H2H, what they said, preview: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Novak Djokovic
Get all the info ahead of the Australian Open men’s final.
-
Australian Open
WATCH: Emotional Novak Djokovic makes his point at press conference
Novak Djokovic admitted he has been shaken by the storm around his father after pro-Russian flag photo.