(Reuters) – Playing games in empty stadiums and following strict COVID-19 protocols has made the ATP Tour “sad, boring and ridiculous”, said Benoit Paire of France after being knocked out of Chile Open by Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune as a teenager Denmark.
The professional circuit was closed for several months last year before tournament organizers set up biosecure bubbles for players and support staff while keeping fans away from stadiums.
Banning the swing in Australia in February, tournaments continue to be played in front of a handful of fans at most. Lack of spectators has affected players who thrive on a feverish atmosphere, while also affecting tournament finances.
Paire, who is ranked 29th in the world, said the sport had become a “tasteless job”.
“The ATP circuit has become sad, boring and ridiculous,” the 31-year-old player, who criticized last month’s Australian Open organizers for their treatment of players during quarantine, wrote on Instagram.
“I know you’re going to say you don’t realize how lucky you are … but playing in closed stadiums with no (no) atmosphere why I play. Having to stay in a hotel or club and being banned from going out without risking a fine, where is the pleasure of traveling?
“Tennis (has) become a tasteless job … I need time to adjust to this fake ATP circuit but I will make the efforts to try to rediscover the pleasure of playing tennis.”
Paire, who made headlines last week when he withdrew from the Argentina Open Championship after appearing to be tanking his last service match and getting a point for spitting, said results are the last thing on his mind before his trip to Acapulco and Miami.
“My goal is to have a smile and enjoy hitting a ball,” he said. “Whether I win or lose, I couldn’t care less.”