Watch: Fireworks set off after Benoit Paire's Challenger triumph in Puerto Vallarta



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Watch: Fireworks set off after Benoit Paire's Challenger triumph in Puerto Vallarta

Benoit Paire treated himself with a large pizza after winning the Puerto Vallarta Challenger as fireworks were set off following the Frenchman's triumph at the Mexican tournament. On Sunday, Paire recovered from a set down to beat Yuta Shimizu 3-6 6-0 6-2 in the Puerto Vallarta Challenger final.

For Paire, it was his seventh Challenger title and his first Challenger title since 2015. Also, it was Paire's first triumph since he won an ATP 250 event in Lyon in 2019.

How Paire defeated Shimizu?

Paire, who was seeded at No 5, broke Shimizu in the very first game of the match.

But Paire's lead was short-lived as Shimizu broke back the Frenchman immediately in the second game. After recovering from an early break down, Shimizu broke Paire in the sixth game for a 4-2 lead. In the eighth game, Paire saved two set points on his serve as he was able to cut the deficit to 5-3.

After saving two set points, Paire also had a break point in the ninth game but Shimizu saved it before converting his fourth set point to clinch the first set. Paire impressively bounced back after losing the first set as he broke Shimizu three times in the second set.

Also, Paire didn't face a single break point in the second set. Paire's run continued at the start of the third set as he started the decider with back-to-back breaks and a 4-0 lead. In the fifth game, Shimizu was able to get one break back and then serve out the sixth game to cut the deficit to 4-2.

But Paire responded well, serving out the seventh game for a 5-2 lead. In the eighth game - when Shimizu was serving to stay in the match - Paire broke the Japanese again to complete his big comeback win. Before coming to Puerto Vallarta, Paire was struggling with his game and mostly losing early.

Paire, who is now ranked at No 209 in the world, will return to the top-200 next Monday when the ATP rankings list gets updated after the Indian Wells Masters.

Benoit Paire