Carlos Alcaraz Lands in Paris as New Era Begins at La Défense Arena

Carlos Alcaraz Lands in Paris as a New Era Unfolds at La Défense Arena

Paris remains one of the elusive three ATP Masters 1000 titles missing from the Spaniard’s illustrious career.

October 24, 2025

A thrilling new chapter of the Rolex Paris Masters is set to unfold at its stunning new location, marking the return of the top-ranked player in the PIF ATP Rankings.

Carlos Alcaraz made his grand arrival at La Défense Arena early Friday, preparing for his first tour-level match following his victory in Tokyo last month. Dressed snugly against the crisp Paris air, the 22-year-old Spaniard took a moment to appreciate his surroundings before heading to the practice courts with 2018 champion Karen Khachanov.

First practice in the new venue for Carlos Alcaraz and 2018 champion Karen Khachanov 🦾 #RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/tXSGE0soMb

— ROLEX PARIS MASTERS (@RolexPMasters) October 24, 2025

Alcaraz, who rallied to victory in Tokyo despite a left-ankle injury, had to skip the ATP Masters 1000 event in Shanghai. This week saw him back training in his hometown of El Palmar, Spain, before this much-anticipated return to the Tour. With a career record of 5-4 in Paris, including a remarkable quarter-finals appearance in 2022, the World No. 1 is eager to reclaim his legacy.

Will the move to Europe’s largest indoor arena spark his quest for a first French title? The centre court at La Défense Arena, capable of hosting 17,500 fans, ranks as the second-largest venue for year-round tennis, second only to Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open.

The Rolex Paris Masters is one of the final three ATP Masters 1000 titles still unreached by Alcaraz. Over the upcoming week, he is determined to make it part of his trophy collection while securing a potential second ATP Year-End No. 1 honor presented by PIF.

With a firm lead of over 2,000 points ahead of rival Jannik Sinner in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, Alcaraz has already qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals. Sinner, on the other hand, is currently competing in Vienna, where he’s already reached the quarter-finals.

Leading the Tour with an impressive 67 victories and eight titles in 2025, as per the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, Alcaraz is geared up to return to indoor play for the first time since February, when he claimed his inaugural title in these conditions at the ATP 500 in Rotterdam.