In the semifinals of Tokyo, Benoit Paire had to take a break in the second set against Kei Nishikori because his shoe was falling apart. He taped it up, and went on to win the match. Paire told reporters that before the match he thought about buying new shoes, but decided against it.
The Frenchman said that he practiced in a pair of borrowed shoes from friend Marcos Baghdatis, but they didn't feel right.
“I like these shoes,” Paire said. “I have won a lot of matches with these ones and I will play with these ones tomorrow too. I put a little bit of tape on these shoes and it’s working. So for the confidence I think I need to keep these shoes. We will see... If it is working or not.”
The world No. 32 will play Stan Wawrinka in the final. In July, the 26-year-old won his first ATP title at the Swedish Open. He is trying to win his first ATP 500 title this week.
Wawrinka isn't surprised by Paire's run to the final this week.
“That’s Benoit,” said Wawrinka. “You saw him play this week. He’s a really good player, really talented, crazy in his game. He can do different things that only he can do. He’s that kind of player. He’s going for it and I think it’s worth the time to watch him play. I think he’s a fun player to watch and he’s one of my best friends so he’s a good guy.”