A New Chapter Unfolds: The Exciting Transformation of the Rolex Paris Masters
Perspectives from defending champion Zverev, Cedric Pioline, and more
October 30, 2025
Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner walks into the limelight of La Défense Arena in Paris.
By Jerome Coombe
For almost four decades, the Rolex Paris Masters has served as the grand finale to the tennis season, where champions ignite the court, and the audience’s cheers reverberate through the arena with each electrifying play.
Few tournaments encapsulate elegance and dynamic excitement like the Paris spectacle. As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, this iconic event has found a new home in La Défense Arena, Europe’s premier indoor sports arena and an innovative venue for indoor tennis.
“It’s breathtaking. If you love tennis, this is the ultimate destination right now,” expressed Felix Auger-Aliassime, currently ranked No. 10 in the PIF ATP Rankings. “The players are all here battling it out on numerous courts, which is fantastic. The meticulous details, even down to the players’ seating, are stunning.”
Illuminate the court: The unique ambience of the Rolex Paris Masters. Photo: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
The statistics speak for themselves; with a capacity of 17,500, the main court is now the second-largest at a permanent tennis venue worldwide, surpassed only by the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open.
Located in the vibrant heart of Paris’s commercial center, the Arena boasts a sleek amphitheater design, featuring 9,000 square meters of blackout curtains. Inside, fans can find three additional match courts, a dedicated practice area, as well as a fully equipped gym for athletes.
“It’s a perfect moment to redefine ourselves and grow with this new venue,” remarked Cedric Pioline, Tournament Director. “The atmosphere here reflects the lively nature of events like Roland Garros. There’s life and energy everywhere. This is our new trajectory.”
Watch Cedric Pioline discuss the exciting changes at La Défense Arena
There has always been a rich tapestry of energy during France’s ATP Masters 1000 event. Last year, Alexander Zverev silenced the fervent home crowd as he claimed the title in an electrifying display.
As he returns to the City of Lights this year, the German star anticipates the charged atmosphere — the intensity, the cheers, and the raw emotion, even with the shift in venue.
“Playing in front of a passionate crowd is exhilarating. It’s special when they cheer for you — but even when they’re against you, it still brings energy. It’s always a dream to play in big arenas,” Zverev shared with ATPTour.com. “The larger the crowd, the more electric the experience.”
No crowd can compare to the spirit of Paris. Eager, dramatic, and passionate, they live every moment of the match. At La Défense, that vibrant heartbeat is magnified, enhancing every ‘Allez’ chant into an undulating wave of sound, electrifying the players on the court.
However, this transition did not come lightly. The Accor Arena in Bercy, the tournament’s historical sanctuary, is rich with cherished memories: Novak Djokovic’s record seven titles, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s stunning 2008 victory, and the exhilarating beats that heralded tournament milestones.
Bercy created an intimate intensity that set the stage for unforgettable moments, yet these memories fuel the excitement of this new beginning.
Evolution has always been at the heart of this tournament: from smoky halls to the grand global stage, from wooden rackets to carbon-fiber ones, from the cozy confines of Bercy to the expansive halls of La Défense.
“At our inaugural event at La Défense Arena, the energy is palpable, and the ‘Tribune Bleu’ ignites the atmosphere,” noted Charles Tonnelier, a fan from Paris. “Off the courts, the carefully curated activities create a festive vibe that enhances the overall experience.”
The vibrant ‘Tribune Bleu’ section at La Défense Arena. Photo: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
The “Tribune Bleu,” a passionate cohort of French supporters, is a thrilling addition to the atmosphere. They fill the stands, rallying behind local players with drums and vuvuzelas, creating a vivid tapestry of sound and color that Bercy’s smaller design could never accommodate.
As the ATP Tour heads towards its thrilling conclusion, this exhilarating atmosphere boosts the spirits of the local talent. Last year, Ugo Humbert harnessed this home advantage to defeat Carlos Alcaraz on the way to his inaugural ATP Masters 1000 final.
“As organizers, we strive for our local players to feel the crowd’s support, as it amplifies the excitement of the tournament,” Pioline emphasized in conversation with ATPTour.com. “Everyone wants to excel. The energy from the crowd behind Humbert was palpable.”
Nicolas Mahut bids farewell in his final match at La Défense Arena. Photo: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Even within the fresh confines of La Défense Arena, the essence of the Rolex Paris Masters remains intact. It’s still a battlefield of late-season drama as players vie for a spot in the Nitto ATP Finals, punctuated by sweat, glamour, and high-stakes competition.
Yet, it feels rejuvenated. The arena’s vibrant glow reflects off the surrounding glass towers, the crowd swells as the lights dim to a magical green, and the heartbeat of Parisian sports resonates once more.
The stage has expanded. The energy resonates deeper. The atmosphere is even more alive than before.
