The Paris Masters indoor tennis tournament will relocate to a new facility beginning next year, the French tennis federation announced Monday. The event is moving from its long-time home, the Bercy Arena, to a larger facility, the Paris La Défense Arena, which will increase capacity from just under 17,000 to 23,000.
The FFT stated that the courts will be larger and better than those at the Bercy Arena, where players complained about the smaller courts last year. Complaints about late finishing will also lead to improved scheduling. Also read: Pope Francis Congratulates Italy for Jannik Sinner win
Jannik Sinner, who won his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open on Sunday, withdrew from the Paris Masters in November in a scheduling protest, blaming organizers for failing to give him enough rest. Following a finish at nearly 3 a.m. in his previous match, he had less than 12 hours to recover before playing again. Several other players agreed with his complaint.
To avoid matches starting too late, the existing schedule of four daytime matches and two evening sessions will be changed to three daytime matches and two in the evening.
“This is a major strategic decision for the Paris Masters,” FFT president Gilles Moretton stated. “By moving to the Paris La Défense Arena, we will fulfill our ambitions by offering our athletes and spectators an experience they will remember.” The Bercy Arena, also known as the Accor Arena, will host the tournament for the last time from October 28 to November 3. Also read: Australian Open 2024: Hsieh Su-Wei, Elise Mertens win women’s doubles title