US Open champion Dominic Thiem says he is perplexed by the behaviour of one of his peers who recently got himself excluded from the Olympics.
The world No.4 has spoken out about French player Bernoit Paire who described the Tour as ‘sad, boring and ridiculous’ earlier this year. Paire has been a vocal critic of the COVID-19 restrictions which has been implemented within the sport and openly admitted that he struggles playing behind closed doors. Describing the Monte Carlo Masters as a ‘cemetery’ following his first round exit. Paire has also been issued with fines for unsportsmanlike conduct related to spitting on the court and was even accused of tanking during one of his matches.
Life on the Tour is far from perfect with 27-year-old Thiem also admitting he has struggled with ‘bubble life.’ He recently took a break from the sport in order to ‘reset’ and will be returning to action at the Madrid Open this week. In a recent interview with El Pais, the Austrian said he doesn’t understand Paire’s antics as he gives his own advice.
“I don’t understand. If you don’t want to play, you stay at home. If you are not motivated, nobody forces you to play,” he said.
“I think what I did was better: I took some time, I cancelled my participation in three or four tournaments, and at some point the motivation returns. Once you hit the track, I think you should be able to compete, even if you are not 100 percent. But if you don’t feel like playing, you better take a vacation.”
Thiem admits that the current situation he and others face on the Tour are tough. Branding each trip he makes to a tournament as ‘complicated’ due to the various travel restrictions each country has in place. Players in Madrid this week are only allowed to travel from their hotel to the tennis venue and back whilst participating in the tournament.
“It is not easy, of course. It is difficult for everyone because we are used to playing with crowded stands and to travel freely from one city to another without difficulties,” Thiem explained. “Now we play in empty enclosures and every trip is a complication. Life in the bubble is not fun at all. I understand that there are many players who find it difficult, but I also think that this will not last forever, that at some point things will return to normal.”
Paire’s behaviour has cost him a chance of being selected to play at the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo. The French Tennis Federation has barred him from the Games for repeated incidents of ‘deeply inappropriate behaviour’ but said they will offer him support if he wishes to receive any. The decision was made following a proposal put forward by technical director Nicolas Escude in consultation with France’s Davis Cup captain Sebastien Grosjean.
Thiem, who has a first round bye, will play his first match in Madrid against either Marcos Giron or Pablo Andujar. Meanwhile, Paire takes on Nikoloz Basilashvili in his first round match.
