Before and during the Davis Cup tie between France and Spain in Lille, Benoit Paire showed a lot of professionalism and seriousness. Paire defeated Pablo Carreno Busta in straight sets, by being very consistent throughout the rubber.

Speaking to reporters about his "bad boy" image, Paire said: 'I have been already trying to change this image for some time. It's true that there was a controversy that dated back to the Washington tournament where I got angry, but I have stayed calm from the beginning of the year.

I am here to confirm that I think more about the game than breaking racquets.' Paire now hopes to play the final against Croatia in November as well. 'I am very proud to belong to this group. Joining team was simple.

There is a big team. Being close to each other is the French team's strength. And I am very happy to honor it.' 'There is excitement in working with Benoit. He was (out) of the French team for a long time. I wanted to see how he would have been like with the team, his reactions in the practice sessions.

It was great. And we are also waiting to know if he wants to break five or six racquets,' the French captain Yannick Noah joked, adding, 'We said not more than three racquets per set.' Paire had often shared his desire to play the semi-final against Spain and it was fulfilled.

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