The Benoit Paire 11….The Flushing 11….
Whatever you want to call them, 11 people are thought to have come into close contact with Paire inside the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center bubble.
“What’s so bad about coming into contact with Paire,” you might ask–if you have been living under a rock the past 24 hours. Well, the Frenchman was forced to withdraw from the US Open as a result, and per the rules during the Western & Southern Open (which was also held in New York) all those who came in close contact with him would also have to withdraw. After all, Guido Pella and Hugo Dellien were not allowed to play “Cincinnati” because their physio tested positive.
Nonetheless, there appear to be different standards for this Grand Slam. And as result, controversy is swirling. The 11 people who have been Paire’s circle are allowed to continue playing. Of those 11, we know five.
Kristina Mladenovic said so herself at a press conference after winning her first-round match against Hailey Baptiste.
“I had the misfortune to play cards one night with Benoit,” the Frenchwoman explained. “I find myself being escorted everywhere. I am not entitled to anything. I am mentally washed out. I am devastated for Benoit, of course. It is really difficult. for me to accept this thing because it’s not like I’m in his close entourage. I feel very sorry and bad for him so I try to stay positive. I have been tested twice since and I’m still negative. I hope I will stay like this.
“For three days I have found myself having access to absolutely nothing, being escorted everywhere,” she added. “I just have the right to be in my room.”
Adrian Mannarino also confirmed at his post-match press conference that he is one of the 11 who must now follow more strict protocols.
“I haven’t slept too much,” the Frenchman admitted. “I’m mentally exhausted. We created a WhatsApp group of French players, including Benoit. He’s fine; he has no symptoms. We’re supporting each other.
“We are not in a bubble; we are in a ‘secure environment. But employees are going home to sleep. Benoit was unlucky because he tested negative several times (before testing positive). The new protocols are strict. We are not even allowed in elevators.”
The French newspaper L’Equipe revealed three other members of the notorious 11: Richard Gasquet, Gregoire Barrere, and Edouard Roger-Vasselin.
Rumors are circulating that Daniil Medvedev is also involved, as he was mentioned by Alexander Zverev after the German beat Kevin Anderson. However, Medvedev’s coach Gilles Cervara denied those reports.
I’m sorry, but they should follow the rules. It’s a 2-14 day incubation period. They’re really taking a chance letting the players remain in the draw.
Just hoping that no one else turns up positive. Sorry for Paire and his NYC Eleven but they knew the risks when they signed up. Thing is, no one thinks it will be him or her.