Boxing keeps Paire in the game

The 27-year-old who is coaching under Thierry (Champion) since the US Open last season had resorted to boxing to get physically strong. And according to Paire, boxing helps him stay focussed. 

“Mentally it (playing boxing) is totally different. You must be focussed every time or you get hit. In a match, the area of improvement for me is to stay focussed. Sometimes I don’t play good and it’s because I don’t focus. So, boxing appeared to be a good idea,” he said. 

For the record, 20-year-old Croatian Borna Coric also uses boxing to stay fit. The Frenchman’s best year was in 2015 and after a good show in the US Open (he beat Kei Nishikori in the first and lost to Jo Wilfried-Tsonga in the fourth, his best Grand Slam show), Paire seemed to have lost his way and was keen to get back on track in 2017. 

“I feel 2015 was a good year for me. I finished the year as World No. 18 and now I am No. 47. I want to play in the same level as I did at the 2015 US Open, and for that I need to be more focussed physically and mentally. If I don’t keep myself physically fit, I can’t give good results,” he added. 

With an intention to have more match practice and to get better, Paire has been focussing on both singles and doubles. Paire is playing the doubles with Steve Darcis this year. 

“I made the final (in Chennai) last year and beat Wawrinka a few years back. To play the singles and doubles here is good for my preparation for the Australian Open as I get to play some matches at the beginning of the year. Playing with Darcis is good as we have played for France together,” the 27-year-old said. He however insisted that it would be good if players concentrate more on singles in Slams than in doubles. 

“I think it is tough because you need to win three sets to progress in Grand Slams. If you play five sets and then play doubles, it will not be easy. Focus should be on the singles for sure. If you ask me if I want to play singles or the doubles in Slams, for sure I will say singles,” Paire added. Paire wants to enjoy every moment. 

“My character is different and I don’t want to change when I am on court. I am like this in life, I like to enjoy life and be happy. Yes, sometimes my character in court is not good too as I keep breaking some racquets. We will see this year,” he said.