Never a dull moment as Paire sets up Tsonga duel

Benoit Paire may not beat French compatriot Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in their US Open fourth round clash, but one thing is for certain -- it won't be dull.

The bearded 26-year-old Paire has reached the last 16 of a major for the first time at the 20th attempt.

Former Australian Open finalist Tsonga is an old hand, having made at least the quarter-finals at the majors on 11 occasions.

Tsonga also holds a 2-0 career lead over the world number 41, winning both matches in straight sets.

"I lost two sets to Kei Nishikori and won," smiled Paire, recalling his five-set triumph in the first round over the Japanese fourth seed and last year's US Open runner-up.

Paire has never been far from controversy in his career.

Earlier this year, he was warned for not trying in a Challenger event in Italy before retiring in the third.

In 2014, he aired his dislike of Wimbledon.

"I hate Wimbledon and am happy to leave as soon as possible," he said after a first-round loss.

Then, later that summer, he almost came to blows with giant Croatian Ivo Karlovic after a match at the Cincinnati Masters.

"He sucks... this isn't tennis," the Frenchman reportedly complained as a barrage of aces thundered by him.

Unfortunately for Paire, he failed to realise that Karlovic understands French and the Croatian confronted him after the fiery encounter, telling him to show some respect.
Paire reached the US Open fourth round on Friday by beating experienced Spanish 26th seed Tommy Robredo 7-6 (7/3), 6-1, 6-1.

Now he insists all the pressure will be on the 19th-seeded Tsonga when they clash for a quarter-final spot on Sunday.

"I have nothing to lose and everything to win," said Paire.

"To meet in the fourth round means that you have beaten good players to get there and that you are in form.

"It's a 100 percent French duel. There will be at least one Frenchman in the quarter-finals and I simply hope it will be me."

Despite his poor record against Tsonga, Paire refuses to suffer from an inferiority complex.

"This will be a one-off match, it will be a different pressure. I will do my best."

Paire's win over Robredo was his third against the Spaniard in the last 40 days, a run which also included his first career title at Bastad.

It was a success which looked a long way off at the end of last year when a knee injury sent him tumbling out of the world top 100.

In order to get back to the highest level, he had to play Challenger and Futures events, the second and third divisions of the professional game.

"Making the fourth round of a Slam was a goal of mine having lost five or six times in the third round. I really wanted to taste it.

"I have gone from Futures at the start of the year to a fourth round at a major, but I don't want to stop now."
Source: AFP