Paire Outlasts Nishikori

2014 U.S. Open finalist and world # 4 Kei Nishikori is out a bundle of defender points after being bounced in Round 1 of the '15 Open by Benoit Paire of France, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4.  Unexpected?  Absolutely, as Nishikori is entering the prime of a career which should be loaded with deep runs at the majors, and was looking good this Summer while winning D.C. and reaching the semis in Montreal.  Nishikori did suffer some hip discomfort in Canada, and eventually pulled out of Cincinnati for some rest, but he claimed all was well heading into NYC.  Nishikori held two match points in the 4th set breaker, today, but he was unable to finish it off and looked tentative during some big moments.  It's been a hectic 365 days for Nishikori, who has become a full-fledged phenomenon in Japan.  He's earning a boatload of cash off the court, but a disappointing end to the 2015 slam season should leave him hungry for the ATP World Tour Finals and beyond.

This result is not a complete shocker from out of nowhere, though, because Benoit Paire can play.  When he's on, really play, and his ceiling could legitimately be within the world top 20.  Right off the bat, Paire's current spot at #41 lets you know it was a tough draw for Kei, but lets not forget that Paire has already enjoyed some rare air at his career high rank of #24 during the 2013-14 seasons.  It's been a steady fall since - the Frenchman bottomed out at #149 this February - but Paire got off the floor to win a Challenger event, and then secured his first ATP title by grinding through the likes of Goffin, Istomin, Cuevas, and Robredo in Sweeden...without the loss of a set.  The 6'5" Paire is the rare big man with good mobility, he has good speed and variety on serve, and he can absolutely rake from the backhand wing.  Today, he also displayed a nice command of the net, and that could spell real trouble for future opponents.  Paire's chief liabilities have always been focus and attitude, and both can be downright awful.  Perhaps the recent rise of countryman Pierre-Hughes Hebert has helped spark the competitive fire in Paire.  Maybe the time spent on the Challenger Tour was a wake-up call.  Either way,  let's hope it's better late than never for Benoit Paire.