Who is Benoit Paire? Andy Murray’s fourth round opponent at Wimbledon has only dropped one set so far
ANDY MURRAY is back on Centre Court as he bids to retain his Wimbledon title.
Standing in his way is Benoit Paire.
Here is everything you need to know about the Frenchman.
Who is Benoit Paire?
Benoit Paire was born in Avignon, France, in 1989.
He made it to his first grand slam in 2008, reaching the first round of the French Open, before getting to the third round in 2009.
In 2011 he qualified for all four grand slams for the first time.
He is currently in a relationship with French singer Tamara Marthe, better known as Shy'm.
What are Benoit Paire's career highlights?
Paire's run to the Wimbledon fourth round has equalled his best career performance, which came at the US Open in 2015.
There, he stunned number 4 seed Kei Nishikori in the opening round and number 26 seed Tommy Robredo in the third round before losing to fellow Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the fourth.
At Wimbledon this year he has been even more consistent, dropping just one set - against Brazilian Rogerio Dutra Silva in the first round.
What is his playing style?
Paire is flashy, unpredictable and somewhat inconsistent.
His main strength is his powerful two-handed backhand.
He also likes to mix up the play, combining his powerful first serve with volleys and regular dropshots.
How is his record against Andy Murray?
Andy Murray has only played Benoit Paire once, dramatically beating him by two sets to one in Monaco.
Paire hammered the Scot 6-2 in the first set before losing the second and third 7-5.
Overall, Murray has a very dominant 95-14 record against French players, with Gilles Simon the last player from across the channel to beat him - in Rotterdam two years ago.
