Paire prefers to keep his distance from France

Frenchman Benoit Paire has no hesitation in confessing that he prefers playing anywhere but in his native country.

The somewhat notorious slacker whose ranking has slipped form a career-best 18th to its current No. 165, has not won a match at the ATP level in two months and has dropped back to the Challenger level.

Paire told Portuguese media as he played a minor event this week in Lisbon that he prefers to work at rescuing his ranking outside of France  due to the home pressure.

“Playing at home is a bit difficult for me at the moment. People expect a lot from me,” the 33-year-old said.

“I was No. 18, so when I come back they expect me to win every time.

“Mentally I wasn’t ready to play my best tennis, so I thought that it would be better to be in a quieter place in Portugal and enjoy my tennis.

“I am very happy to be here and I prefer to play tournaments outside of France.

“If I get back to my best level, maybe I will play in France again. There, every time I win there is pressure.”

Main photo:- Benoit Paire playing at Roland Garros, French Open 2021 by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd