From interviewee to interviewer: Paire flips roles at UTS

Benoit Paire has never been one to take the easy route, at least on court.

On Saturday, the Frenchman found himself in a winner-take-all situation at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown thanks to a shanked overhead.

Paire had the opportunity to end his second quarter against Elliot Benchetrit by making the short court smash, but instead found the net to bring up a deciding point. Losing it would be significant, as it would see Paire fall behind two quarters.

But on brand, he recovered with enough meat on his first serve to draw a return error.

He arrived to his chair breathing heavily and had this exchange with commentator Jenny Drummond. Paire began by answering questions, before switching roles.

Drummond: Why do you make it so hard?

Paire: Be happy for me. Last time, you asked me happy. This time, I want you to be happy.

Drummond: Are you smiling inside?

Paire: Outside.

Drummond: Are you OK?

Paire: No. Talk to me

Drummond: What’s going through your mind?

Paire: Don’t talk to me about anything… talk to me. What did you do yesterday night?

Drummond: Just had some rosé. We’re in the south of France...

Paire: And tonight, what we do?

Drummond: Work.

Paire: You work tonight?

Drummond: Yeah! We’ve got some matches to commentate on.

Paire: After? What you do? Tell me everything.

Drummond: Bed. Sleep.

Paire: Enjoy. Bye bye.

Laughter ensued, and the drama (and fun) hardly stopped there. Paire's level cooled off in quarter three, symbolized by his dumping of a water bottle over his head.

In Paire fashion, the world No. 22 made a strong push in a must-win fourth quarter. Playing with more freedom, he cackled when Benchetrit executed an underhand serve, knowing sudden death was soon on the horizon.

But there, the 21-year-old emerged victorious after his forehand return dipped low enough to handcuff the net-rushing Paire. The final scoreline: Benchetrit wins, 19-11, 13-14, 13-10, 10-16, 3-2.