Tennis-Ruud awakening for Paire, but Frenchman the happiest of losers in Paris

Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - May 31, 2021 France's Benoit Paire reacts during his first round match against Norway's Casper Ruud REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

PARIS (Reuters) - Benoit Paire had been waiting to play in front of a proper crowd for several months, and even if the support of his home fans was not enough as he lost in the French Open first round, the Frenchman was the happiest at Roland Garros on Monday.

With up to 1,000 fans allowed to watch on a sun-kissed court Simonne Mathieu, Paire fully enjoyed the loud cheers throughout, even if he was defeated 5-7 6-2 6-1 7-6(4) by Norwegian 15th seed Casper Ruud.