WATCH: Benoit Paire Displays Unsportsmanlike Conduct After Serve Error at US Open 2021

It’s here, and it’s magnificent. The wait is over as the iconic US Open 2021 is up and running. Some of the biggest names in the game go head to head, competing for all-important glory. Playing in the first round of the competition, Benoit Paire clashed with Dusan Lajovic in a much-awaited battle. Thorough entertainment was guaranteed as a showdown was on the cards.

French international Benoit Paire was at the heart of the action on day 1 of the US Open. Facing Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic, Benoit found himself at the wrong end of the drama. Both athletes put on a show, attempting to edge past the other. Hence, emotions were running high as one outplayed the other. Notably, giving in to pressure, a rather prohibited display of emotion from Benoit was penalized with a warning.

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Things just got ugly for Benoit Paire

It was all guns blazing as the two ATP stars took to the court. In an enthralling first set, Benoit found himself on the losing side. Dusan was rewarded with a first-set win for his dominant, authoritative tennis. Although Benoit played fiercely, he failed to topple the Serbian giant and was left frustrated.

As a result, he gave in to his emotions and smashed a ball into the stands. Due to his ferocious act, he was handed a code violation for ball abuse.

Clearly, the Frenchman is struggling in finding his footing on-court. Nothing seems to be going his way, regardless of his efforts for a fightback. Prepping up to serve, Benoit lost control of his racquet and let it smash on the ground. Disappointed and disgruntled, he looks down in agony; It’s just not his day.

Is a comeback on the cards?

What remains to see is how the Frenchman plays from here on. Any chance of a comeback will require Benoit to keep his calm and draw out a strategy with composure. The odds might be in his favor, given his experience, but the night so far belongs to the Serbian. Can Benoit put his punishment aside and move back to winning ways?

Heading into the third set, the scoreline is 6-3, 7-5 to Dusan. The crowd waits in anticipation of a comeback from the French. Until then, the drama continues.

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