Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Plays Football With Benoit Paire in the Middle of the Match at Halle Open

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga sets up a potential second round match with Roger Federer at the Gerry Weber Open as he defeats his compatriot, Benoit Paire in straight sets 6-4, 7-5 in the first round in Halle in 1 hour and 18 minutes.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga broke Benoit Paire’s serve earlier in the first set. The two players then held their service games till the end of the set as Tsonga conquered the first set 6-4.

The second set was quite an equal one as both the players were holding their service games without any trouble till 5-5. However, it was Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who broke Paire’s serve for the second time in the match to conquer the second set 7-5. Tsonga battled to a 6-4, 7-5 victory over his compatriot.

Benoit Paire and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga were caught up playing football rather than tennis in the middle of the court between the points.

Benoit Paire was serving at 1-1 in the second set when his racquet slipped into the ground after he completed his serve. However, instead of being disappointed after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga returned his serve, Benoit Paire returned the ball to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga with his foot.

To everyone’s surprise, Tsonga continued the football rally between them. Benoit Paire chesting and kicking the ball back with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga heading and kicking it back. Finally, Benoit Paire tried a bicycle kick but missed it as the rally ends. However, the crowd applauded the two for their skillful footwork on the court.

However, earlier in the match during the first set, Benoit Paire, who is famous for his on-court tantrums was given a warning by the chair umpire for throwing his racquet in frustration.

With this victory, Tsonga increases his head-to-head record against Benoit Paire to 4-1. The former world no. 5 will play the winner of Roger Federer, who is seeking his 10th title at Halle Open and the Australian John Millman.