«I can go back to my best being top 20 again»
Today as number 165 of the ATP ranking, Benoit Paire you know you have to make a return journey to the top via the Challenger route. Now, the Frenchman is in Portugal playing the Lisboa Belém Open and has qualified for the quarter-finals, speaking after all that has been felt at the moment. In a very honest conversation, we explained why he doesn’t want to play at home right now and feels right at home in Portugal.
HOW IT FEELS
I feel better than last week. I didn’t feel well physically and mentally in Braga. I’m happy to be back in Portugal playing good tennis, not my best, and to be in the quarter-finals.
PLAY IN PORTUGAL
I love the environment in Portugal. I played ten years ago at a club not far from here, I lost to Hanescu. I really like playing here, I had good matches at the Estoril Open, where I reached the semi-finals. Whenever I return to Portugal I feel a little at home. I really like. I’m happy to win matches, it’s important for my confidence and my head.
CAREER BEGINNING MEMORIES
It reminds me of when I played ITF tournaments and I have good memories of Portugal. People are a lot like me. I won in Faro, Albufeira, they are good memories of the beginning of my career. It’s good to come back and think about it. I always like to come back here.
WHY NOT BE IN FRANCE THIS WEEK
Playing at home is a little tricky for me right now. People expect a lot from me. It was number 18 in the world, so when I hope it always wins. Mentally I wasn’t ready for my best tennis, so I thought it might be better to be in a quieter place in Portugal, thinking about my tennis. I’m happy to be here and I really want to play longer tournaments in France. Go back to my best level maybe playing in France. There, every time I win there is pressure. As I didn’t win matches, I decided that it was much better to stay away and I came to Portugal. There are always a lot of people watching me, waiting for me… It was too much.
IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC
After Covid-19 it was not easy for me. I had Covid four times and I quarantined for 14 days four times. Life playing in a void was not an easy stadium. That’s not why I play tennis. I play to have fun with the fans. It wasn’t easy, but I’m trying to get back and win some dates. I think I’m playing a lot better this week because that happens when I feel good outside of it.
MOTIVATION IN THE CHALLENGER CIRCUIT
It’s not easy to find the service but I know why I’m here Not these tournament games for the money, but because I want to win matches and get back on the circuit. If I feel like I can’t make ATP tournaments, I’ll stop playing tennis. But I think if I’m fine and I feel good physically, I can go back to my best top 30 or top 20 again. I have to start here in Challengers, win and tournaments. When I have confidence again, I think I can. If I’m here it’s because I want to fight. I know my tennis isn’t what it used to be and it’s not perfect, but now I’m just trying to win games and have fun on the court.
GOALS
Before this tournament, I was thinking about ending the season after the first match. Please, I’ll be in court and that’s what I thought maybe it would improve some duels that could If I have fun keep playing, if not, it’s to stop. I know that coming back next season 100% in my head with motivation, I will return to the ATP circuit for sure.