Video: The Talented Mr. Paire Wins over Cincy Fans

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Video: The Talented Mr. Paire Wins over Cincy Fans

Meeting people isn’t easy when you’re a mercurial Frenchman hanging in the heartland of Ohio on a hot summer day. But Benoit Paire broke the ice with fans at the Western and Southern Open by pulling a few dazzling tricks out of his tennis sketchbook.

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Novak Djokovic scored the 7-5, 6-2 win, but the Frenchman took hot shot honors not once, but twice.

Paire’s special effects also drew some praise from the World No. 1 in the pressroom after the one hour and 40-minute affair.

“The instructions I got from the coach was expect the unexpected, and that was the case,” Djokovic said. “A lot of dropshots. He's got a great backhand. He's got a good serve. You couldn't really predict what kind of shot comes your way. You know a slow spin ball or fast flat? I had to stay alert all the time.”

Djokovic said that he has a friendship with Paire, and that the Frenchman helps him with his French speaking.

“We do see each other and went couple times for practice and recovery in south of France,” Djokovic said. “He's a really nice guy. Yeah, he's also nice to me in terms of practicing my French because he speaks to me in French. He allows me to work on it.

He added: “He's very talented guy, but very unpredictable. Once we were on the court we obviously both wanted to win. Once the match was over there was a lot of smiles and, you know, very respectful handshake. I definitely wish him all the best.”

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