The Rolex Paris Masters’ story continues in the Paris La Défense Arena

Christophe Guibbaud/FFT

The French Tennis Federation and the Paris La Défense Arena have announced a major change for the Rolex Paris Masters: as of 2025, this legendary event, which is one of the nine main tournaments on the men’s tour, after the Grand Slams, will be held at the Paris La Défense Arena.

This carefully-considered decision follows discussions between the French Tennis Federation, the professional players and the partners of the Paris-based ATP Masters 1000. It was taken in order to ensure the best possible conditions for the players and spectators, and to continue raising the event’s profile both in France and abroad.

The Rolex Paris Masters needs to make this change in order to adhere to the standards set by the ATP for the Masters 1000 tournaments, namely in terms of size, reception capacity and competition format, which the Paris La Défense Arena allows it to do. The event will be able to welcome more spectators: a total of 23,000 (centre court and outside courts) compared with the current 16,800. The courts and player areas will also be extended, enhanced, modernised and grouped in the same area.

The 2025 edition of the Rolex Paris Masters in Paris La Défense Arena will feature four additional matches played over the course of the tournament, with 28 teams in the doubles draw compared with the current 24, and the “4+2” match format (4 matches during the day and 2 matches in the evening) on centre court optimised to a “3+2” format so as to avoid any matches starting late at night and therefore keep the competition as fair as possible.

Though this move allows the FFT to fulfil the ATP’s increased requirements, it is primarily a golden opportunity to develop the tournament further and continue strengthening its position and France’s status on the international tennis circuit.

“This is a major strategic decision for the Rolex Paris Masters,” announced Gilles Moretton, president of the FFT. “It is one of the ATP’s most prestigious tournaments, and we are proud that over the years it has become a key event on the French and international tennis scene. We would like to applaud and thank the Accor Arena and its staff, with whom we have written some of the most memorable pages in tennis history at Bercy. It was vital for us to continue making this tournament a highlight for all tennis fans. By moving to the Paris La Défense Arena, we will fulfil our ambitions by offering our athletes and spectators an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

“As the world’s largest indoor tennis tournament, the Rolex Paris Masters has become one of the most important end-of-season events. The planet’s top players come here in a bid to qualify for the ATP Finals or even to secure the World No. 1 spot. I am convinced this move to Paris La Défense Arena will be a significant step in the evolution of the Rolex Paris Masters and will open up a multitude of possibilities in terms of scheduling and the welcome rolled out to players and spectators,” added Cédric Pioline, director of the Rolex Paris Masters.

“My first thought went to the thousands of spectators who will get to enjoy the outstanding experience offered in the Paris La Défense Arena during the Rolex Paris Masters. For some players and spectators, it will be their first time at the venue, and we are excited to show them around Europe’s largest arena, with its superb facilities and outstanding accessibility. This is a huge win for the Paris La Défense Arena, and I would like to thank the French Tennis Federation for choosing us, so they can benefit from our venue’s innovative spirit and experience over these ten years. We hope that, together, we will be able to make the tournament as well-known and attractive to as many people as possible,” explained Jacky Lorenzetti, chairman of the Ovalto Group’s supervisory board.

"France is a key nation for professional tennis and today’s announcement further strengthens one of our biggest events on the ATP Tour. We are continually looking for opportunities for our tournaments to grow, and to provide better experiences for our players, and most importantly the fans. The move to Paris La Défense Arena is excellent news for the FFT and the Rolex Paris Masters, which will be able to continue to thrive on the international scene," concluded Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman.