France’s Benoit Paire has exited the Citi Open with less money than he started with after being hit with a hefty fine over his racket-smashing tantrum at the Citi Open.
The former top 20 player was taking on Marcos Baghdatis in the first round of the tournament earlier this week. During the closing stages of the match, Paire let his frustration get the better of him. Smashing three rackets on the court. Two after he dropped serve to trail 2-5 in the deciding set and another one when the match was completed. During the match, he was issued with a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct as well as a point penalty.
Besides the racket smashing, Paire has also been accused of tanking on match point. Showing little interest when returning a Baghdatis serve. Resulting in him being booed off the court by the crowd. Although the hostile reception had little impact on the fiery player, who exit the court blowing kisses towards the crowd.
“Yes, yes it’s true I got upset yesterday,” Paire wrote on Instagram afterwards.
“What I remember is that I’m on the right track and I’m progressing since the beginning of the year so for those who want to stay on it there’s no problem but I have already moved on.”
On Wednesday the ATP confirmed that the Frenchman has been fined $16,500 for his behaviour. This equates to more than double of what he has earned for losing in the first round. First round losers are awarded $7,130 in prize money. He has been sanctioned for obscenity, unsportsmanlike conduct and a lack of giving best effort.
At the Citi Open, Baghdatis lost in the second round of the tournament. Taking on South Korea’s Hyeon Chung, he fell 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-3. Meanwhile, Paire will return to action next week at the Roger Cup in Canada.
