News Line Australia
Frenchman Benoit Paire has criticised Australian Open organisers for their “shameful” treatment of players during quarantine ahead of the grand slam event and said lack of training due to strict restrictions contributed to his first-round exit.
World No. 29 Paire, who lost 2-6, 6-2, 6-7(5), 5-7 to Egor Gerasimov, was one of 72 players who were unable to leave their rooms to train during quarantine after passengers on their flights to Melbourne tested positive for COVID-19.
Benoit Paire blamed his time in quarantine in Australia for his first-round loss at the Australian Open.Credit:Getty Images
A few top-ranked players, including world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and US Open champion Dominic Thiem, had self-isolated in Adelaide ahead of an exhibition event and were allowed to train five hours a day.
“I think it’s shit, and what happened is shameful,” Paire told French media on Monday. “I’m very happy with my level … but this tournament, I think it’s really crap.
