Frenchman Benoit Paire unleashes stunning spray at Australian Open organisers

Benoit Paire leaves Australia with $100k in his pocket after having all his expenses paid for him, but he's unleashed a brutal spray on Australian Open organisers.

Serena Williams of the US hits a return against Danielle Collins of the US during their Yara Valley Classic Women's singles tennis match in Melbourne on February 5, 2021. (Photo by David Gray / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --

Frenchman Benoit Paire has taken aim at Australian Open organisers, accusing them of taking players for “idiots” and calling the tournament “really sh**”.

Paire was shown the door at Melbourne Park after a first round loss to Egor Gerasimov but he made sure those in charge knew exactly how he felt about the hotel quarantine program.

He told French outlet L’Equipe the treatment of players was “shameful”.

“I think it’s s**t, and what happened is shameful,” he said. “My level of play was good, I think my attitude was good. I hope I didn’t hurt my elbow too much. But otherwise, overall I’m very disappointed with this tournament.”

Watch over 40 live ATP Tour tournaments, 40 live WTA Tour tournaments, and every ATP + WTA Finals match live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Paire, who was forced to quarantine in Melbourne, was frustrated with the difference in treatment of those who were able to quarantine in Adelaide.

“There was also a positive case on the flight to Adelaide, but there, we had time to take blood samples, etc,” he said.

“We were told to quarantine. Either we do the same things and the same rules for everyone. I do not understand why it’s not ‘fair’ for everyone. A truncated preparation, truncated matches. To me, this is scandalous.

“Afterwards, I’m very happy with my level, with what I was able to produce today. But this tournament, frankly, I think it’s really crap.

“This match, I could have won it if I had had one or two more training sessions, a normal preparation.

Benoit Paire during the ATP Cup. Picture: Getty Images

“I’m going to go back ... and finally enjoy the one thing that’s right here, being able to go out, have a drink, be outside.”

Not just frustrated with Australian Open organisers, Paire called the ATP “grotesque” for its stance on money.

“It’s all about the money. That’s it, actually. There is a huge loss if they don’t make the tournament. No matter what, there has to be a tournament. Afterwards, most players think that there is a little bit of money to be made and they come for it.

“Me first, I also play for money. But if you have to make so many sacrifices and things go so badly, let it be such a hassle, at some point you just have to say stop.

“I don’t quite understand where we’re going, I don’t quite understand what ATP is doing. It becomes borderline grotesque. For me, tennis is not that. Frankly, I’m not enjoying it.”

Originally published as Frenchman Benoit Paire unleashes stunning spray at Australian Open organisers

Updates