Benoit Paire eliminated in five sets by Cameron Norrie in the first round

Benoit Paire came close to Roland-Garros, with an invitation obtained in extremis. And Benoit Paire almost qualified for the second round. Almost, because the Frenchman, who was leading two sets to one against Cameron Norrie (seeded No. 14), lost definitively on Monday May 29 in five sets and a fight lasting over three hours (7-5, 4-6, 3 -6, 6-1, 6-4). The Briton will find Lucas Pouille in the second round.

As often happens with Paire, the scenario of the match went very high, like during the second set, boosted, and very low, like in the fourth set, completely dropped in 26 minutes. The Habs took the match from the right side for a long time, keeping their emotions in check despite losing a contested first set, and even a dangerous slide from the first points. With a crowd that rallied his case throughout the match, Paire gradually eased back into the match, to the point where he then confidently pocketed the next two sets.