Michael Russell Says Paire Does Not Play a Normal Game

Written by: Staff on 30th July 2012

Michael Russell Says Paire Does Not Play a Normal Game

epa03106522 Michael Russell of the US hits a return against Donald Young of the US during the first round of the SAP Open tennis at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, USA 14 February 2012. EPA/JOHN G. MABANGLO |

Flaky Frenchman Benoit Paire came and went as first seed at the Farmers Classic in Los Angeles , with his peculiar behaviour on court making his losing effort even more of a puzzle. The No. 50 is known as something of an iconoclast, playing his own way and in particularly unorthodox fashion.

He paid the price for his quirks, crashing out in his opening match in straight sets to 34-year-old American grinder Michael Russell. The top seed committed 38 unforced errors, with the match taking an even more bizarre turn due to what might or might not have been an abdominal muscle problem.

The bearded, tall Frenchman, who also got into a scowling match with his perplexed coach and had to be warned to stop exchanging words with a linesman whose decision displeased him, also failed to sit down on several changeovers, often holding his right abdomen,

Other times he applied ice to the apparently affected area and fired eight double-faults – three in one game – to keep the contest off-balance throughout.

Russell, ranked 83rd, said that he faced a mental and physical battle against the unpredictable Paire. “It was extremely difficult, You never know what to expect from him. He keeps you out of your rhythm.

“I had to dig deep to get through it. He’s flashy and sometimes looks like he’s not trying. Mentally it’s difficult, but I’m proud of myself for winning. I couldn’t ask for a better start, I love playing on the hard courts.”

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: American tennis news, Benoit Paire, Farmers Classic tennis news, French tennis news, Michael Russell, Sports, Tennis News