Alejandro Zverev and Ugo Humbert had barely finished their celebratory cooldowns after their final match when the promotional engine for the upcoming Paris Masters kicked into high gear, already buzzing with excitement about the tournament’s relocation in 2025.
And it was unreservedly punchy.
“Vibrons plus grand” echoed the rallying cry from the marketing team in French, succinctly encapsulating the event’s bold ambitions for next year, now set to unfold at the luxurious Paris La Défense Arena.
English translations have varied interpretations, ranging from “Thrill up” and “Let’s ramp it up” to the more commonplace, “Let’s get more excited,” all of which channel the optimistic spirit surrounding the imminent change.
However, the historic Bercy venue in south-eastern Paris has been replaced after an impressive 38-year tenure, marking a shift to a modern, upscale stadium located approximately 15 kilometers to the north-west, nestled in the thriving district of Nanterre.
Nevertheless, organizers made it clear that there won’t be a “Nanterre Masters,” affirmed tournament director Cédric Pioline, who emphasizes the necessity of preserving the tournament’s identity while embracing a vision rooted in innovation and modernity.
“I’m convinced that the ultra-modern infrastructure of the Paris La Défense Arena will be instrumental in helping us reach this aspiration,” Pioline stated, showcasing confidence in the new venue’s potential.
From 25 October until 2 November 2025, 64 of the world’s premier male tennis athletes will battle for glory in front of a roaring crowd of up to 16,500 fans, filling Europe’s largest indoor arena to the brim.
Players will enjoy access to not only a practice court but also three additional courts alongside the sophisticated center court, with assurances of enhanced, top-tier facilities throughout the tournament.
Despite the Accor Arena in Bercy receiving accolades, which managed to bring in a record 176,451 fans during the 2024 tournament from 26 October to 3 November, the decision to move was fueled by a desire for a fresh start in a more visually stunning setting.
Players
Veteran Adrian Mannarino justified the organizers’ faith when he received a wildcard entry into the first rounds, eventually reaching the last-16 alongside Humbert and fellow compatriots Fils, Cazaux, and Rinderknech.
From this talented group, only Humbert emerged to make a significant mark in the tournament.
The 26-year-old France’s leading player faced a formidable opponent in the final; nonetheless, his performance throughout the week highlighted his robust potential on the court.
His impressive ability to rally in a grueling three-set victory over second seed Carlos Alcaraz in the last-16 was a testament to his resilience.
He followed this up by overcoming less highly-ranked challengers, Jordan Thompson and Karen Khachanov, in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively, showcasing his steady rise through the ranks.
However, Zverev proved to be a different caliber altogether during their final showdown.
While Humbert had consistently kept his adversaries on their toes with left-handed spins and slices, Zverev responded with a graceful yet powerful counterattack.
“I grew up playing my brother, who’s left-handed, so it’s not at all unusual for me to play against lefties,” explained the 27-year-old German after his commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory. “I’ve seen all the angles since I was a young kid.”
Calm
Zverev maintained a strikingly calm demeanor throughout the match, even amidst the atmosphere that was decidedly skewed towards Humbert, giving little indication of being swayed by the crowd’s fervor.
While his victories were met with a subdued response, and Humbert’s successes garnered quiet acceptance, Zverev’s composure led some spectators to label his style as less than thrilling.
“From the first moments of the match, I felt as if I struck the ball well,” Zverev reflected. “When I have this feeling, I feel good on the court and become perhaps a little more aggressive than usual.”
“It’s crucial to feel this way when playing Ugo. He is one of the best players when he is on the attack.”
Zverev’s impressive ascent through Bercy has elevated him to the world number two position behind Jannik Sinner, firmly placing him among the elite contenders heading into the season-ending ATP Masters in Turin starting 10 November.
Conversely, Humbert will miss the opportunity to participate at the prestigious eight-player tournament in the Inalpi Arena.
Aim
With a notable boost in his earnings—an additional €502,000—from the final in Bercy and a climb up four places to 14 in the ATP rankings, the ambitious 26-year-old has set his sights on achieving even greater heights and financial rewards in the upcoming season.
“I’m not shocked that I beat Carlos and reached the final,” said Humbert confidently. “I’ve always believed in my potential. I train diligently, construct my points effectively, and I possess a solid game. I’m glad it was all on display at the Paris Masters, but I’m not surprised to see myself performing at this level.”
However, Humbert might find himself facing fierce competition from his younger compatriots vying for the title of France’s number one.
Fils, 21, recently secured a victory against Humbert during their latest encounter in the finals of the Tokyo Open in early October.
Furthermore, Giovanni Mpetshi-Perricard is rising prominently—he claimed the ATP 500 tournament title in Basel just before the Paris Masters, exemplifying the emerging talent in French tennis.
Target
After an impressive surge of 130 places in the ATP rankings since April, now securing a position at number 30, the Lyon-born 21-year-old recognizes the need to refine his all-court game behind his powerful serve to break into the upper echelons of professional tennis.
“I feel it. My coach feels it. I’ve been on the main tour for about four months, I’m 30th in the world and I’m still improving.
“You can look ahead and say it could be incredible. But then again, you have to stay grounded.”
Had Humbert clinched the title, the excitement among the organizers and fans—alongside Humbert himself—would have likely reached dizzying heights.
Over the nearly four decades since its inception at Bercy, only three French players have lifted the singles trophy: Guy Forget in 1991, Sébastien Grosjean in 2001, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2008.
“When you’ve witnessed 15,000 people cheering for the French players, you can’t envision a better stadium,” Forget expressed to Eurosport after the tournament’s conclusion.
Farewell
“But we’re not departing because we dislike the stadium; we’re leaving due to issues like a number one court that doesn’t quite meet modern standards.”
Neither is the experience for fans ideal. Should the daytime session at Bercy extend, fans attending the night session often find themselves queuing outside—in some cases in challenging weather conditions—before they are permitted entry.
This setup hardly aligns with a tournament striving to present itself as a world-class event, especially as hospitality box patrons enjoy a lavish, uninterrupted experience.
No such discomforts will await the average fan in Nanterre, where the new venue will boast a spacious, covered reception area with catering options and large screens designed to facilitate an optimal spectator flow.
“I recall numerous memorable moments on the court,” Forget reminisced. “The ambiance filled us with motivation, which is why I’m also a bit saddened about leaving Bercy.”
However, the welcome awaiting in Nanterre promises to be grand, warm, and inviting. “We are excited to join forces with the French Tennis Federation as we embark on a new chapter for this prestigious tournament,” enthused Frédéric Longuépée, the arena’s director.
“Paris La Défense Arena is eager to bring tennis fans closer to the players through its cutting-edge, highly adaptable facilities.”
During the previous summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, this venue showcased the swimming events, culminating in an impressive week where French swimmer Léon Marchand captured four gold medals.
Next autumn, the tournament chiefs at Paris La Défense Arena will hope that Humbert and some of his teammates can create a similarly captivating narrative.
**Interview with Cédric Pioline, Tournament Director of the Paris Masters**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Cédric. The buzz around the Paris Masters is palpable, especially with the upcoming transition to the Paris La Défense Arena in 2025. Can you tell us what inspired this significant move from the historic Bercy venue?
**Cédric Pioline:** Thank you for having me! The decision to relocate was motivated by our desire to embrace innovation and modernity while maintaining the tournament’s core identity. The Bercy venue has been fantastic for almost 38 years, but we believe the Paris La Défense Arena’s ultra-modern infrastructure will greatly enhance the experience for both players and fans alike.
**Editor:** It’s exciting to hear about the new venue’s potential! Could you share some details about what fans can expect from the Paris La Défense Arena compared to the Accor Arena in Bercy?
**Cédric Pioline:** Absolutely. The new arena is Europe’s largest indoor venue, accommodating up to 16,500 spectators. This allows for an electrifying atmosphere! Beyond that, we are providing enhanced facilities for players, including access to additional practice courts and amenities that support top-tier performance. The design and layout of the arena will also create a more intimate and engaging experience for fans.
**Editor:** With esteemed players like Alejandro Zverev and Ugo Humbert recently in the spotlight, do you think their performances will draw increased attention to the tournament in its new home?
**Cédric Pioline:** Without a doubt! Zverev and Humbert are both incredible talents and their passion for the sport resonates with fans. Humbert’s impressive journey in this year’s tournament and Zverev’s calm yet powerful gameplay showcase the high level of competition we anticipate. We’re confident that the excitement they bring will only amplify as we move to the new arena.
**Editor:** Speaking of excitement, the marketing campaign “Vibrons plus grand” has generated a lot of buzz. How do you think this campaign reflects the tournament’s aspirations?
**Cédric Pioline:** The phrase captures the essence of what we are aiming for—greater thrills, increased energy, and a more vibrant experience overall. This positive spirit not only reflects our ambitions for next year but also for the long-term future of the Paris Masters. We want every aspect to resonate with the fans, players, and the community.
**Editor:** It sounds like the future is bright for the Paris Masters! Lastly, with the move, how do you intend to preserve the tournament’s rich heritage and connection to its historic roots?
**Cédric Pioline:** It’s crucial for us to honor the legacy of the Bercy venue. We are committed to retaining the distinct identity of the Paris Masters, celebrating its history while also evolving with the times. The tournament will always aim to foster local talent and host memorable moments reflective of its storied past.
**Editor:** Thank you, Cédric, for your insights! It’s thrilling to see the Paris Masters evolving while still honoring its remarkable history. We look forward to witnessing the excitement unfold in 2025.
**Cédric Pioline:** Thank you! We are excited too, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to the new arena!
