From Bercy to La Défense: Rolex Paris Masters history and key facts (1986–2026)

The Rolex Paris Masters celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026. It was born at Bercy in 1986 with a Boris Becker title and moved to La Défense in 2025, where Jannik Sinner was crowned. Over four decades it has become one of the most important indoor tournaments in the world, and Novak Djokovic holds the record with seven titles.

Rolex Paris Masters: key facts

The names: from the Paris Open to the Rolex Paris Masters

The tournament started out as the Paris Open. It was part of the top tier of the men’s tour from 1990, the first season of the ATP Tour, and carried the BNP Paribas Masters name from 2003 to 2016 (Paris Masters records). Rolex became title partner in 2017, and 2026 is the 10th year of that partnership.

Paris has a special place in the calendar. It is the last ATP Masters 1000 of the season, played a week before the Nitto ATP Finals, so it often decides who qualifies for Turin.

The Bercy years (1986–2024)

For 39 editions, the tournament was played at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, later renamed Accor Arena. Bercy’s atmosphere, its steep stands and, for many years, a fast court made it one of the most distinctive stops on the tour. The surface was carpet until 2006, then indoor hard court from 2007.

The founding era: Becker, Edberg and Forget

Boris Becker won the first edition in 1986 and added titles in 1989 and 1992. “The first few editions were foundational, with Boris Becker’s victories making the tournament very popular,” Pioline says. Stefan Edberg won in 1990, and Guy Forget became the first French champion in 1991.

The 1990s: Agassi and Sampras

The two Americans shared four titles in six years: Andre Agassi in 1994 and 1999, Pete Sampras in 1995 and 1997. Goran Ivanisevic (1993), Thomas Enqvist (1996) and Greg Rusedski (1998) completed the decade.

Safin’s Paris

Marat Safin won in 2000, 2002 and 2004, which made him the tournament’s second three-time champion after Becker. Sébastien Grosjean claimed a French title in between, in 2001.

Djokovic’s reign

Novak Djokovic won his first Paris title in 2009, then six more: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023. His 2013–2015 run is the only time anyone has won three in a row. Roger Federer (2011) and Andy Murray (2016) also lifted the trophy at Bercy, as did Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the most recent French champion, in 2008.

The new generation

Daniil Medvedev (2020), Holger Rune (2022, beating Djokovic in the final) and Alexander Zverev (2024, beating Ugo Humbert) won in the final years at Bercy.

The move to La Défense (2025)

In 2025, the FFT moved the tournament to Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre, Europe’s largest indoor venue, renamed Plenitude Arena in July 2026.

“Our gamble paid off because the spectators came out in force,” says Pioline. Attendance rose from 175,000 in 2024 to 220,000 in 2025, an increase of about 25%. The new venue also allowed the tournament to host its first wheelchair tennis event, won by Britain’s Alfie Hewett.

Jannik Sinner became the first champion at La Défense, beating Félix Auger-Aliassime in the 2025 final. The match drew a cumulative audience of 2.63 million on France 3.

The 40th anniversary in 2026

• A special 40th-anniversary logo, and a poster campaign featuring Djokovic, Safin and Becker.
• Former champions Guy Forget, Sébastien Grosjean, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Goran Ivanisevic, Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg on Centre Court between Wednesday 4 and Sunday 8 November to share memories of their wins.
• A video on the tournament’s history shown on the big screens all week.
• Tickets at €19.86, a nod to the founding year, and gifts for spectators born in 1986.
• A 40th-anniversary merchandise collection.

Five former champions are in the 2026 singles draw: Djokovic, Zverev, Medvedev, Rune and Karen Khachanov (2018). Sinner, the defending champion, has withdrawn.

Records

• Most singles titles: Novak Djokovic, 7
• Three-time champions: Boris Becker (1986, 1989, 1992) and Marat Safin (2000, 2002, 2004)
• Most consecutive titles: Novak Djokovic, 3 (2013–2015)
• French singles champions: Guy Forget (1991), Sébastien Grosjean (2001), Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (2008)
• Most doubles titles: Bob and Mike Bryan, 4 (2005, 2007, 2013, 2014)
• French doubles champions: Nicolas Escudé / Fabrice Santoro (2002), Arnaud Clément / Michaël Llodra (2006), Pierre-Hugues Herbert / Nicolas Mahut (2019), and Édouard Roger-Vasselin (2023, with Santiago González)

Rolex Paris Masters: every singles champion since 1986

Recent doubles champions

The Rolex Paris Masters in figures (2026)

• 40 years since the first edition
• 220,000 spectators in 2025, a record
• Around 17,500 seats on Centre Court
• 59 broadcasters
• 2.63 million viewers on France 3 for the 2025 final
• €974,370 for the 2026 singles champion
• 19 partners, with Rolex in its 10th year as title partner

FAQ

Who has won the most Paris Masters titles?

Novak Djokovic, with seven titles (2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023).

Who won the first Paris Masters?

Boris Becker, in 1986. He won it again in 1989 and 1992.

When did the Paris Masters leave Bercy?

After the 2024 edition. Since 2025, it has been played at the La Défense arena in Nanterre, now called Plenitude Arena.

Which French players have won the Paris Masters?

Guy Forget (1991), Sébastien Grosjean (2001) and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (2008).

Sources: Rolex Paris Masters 2026 press kit (French Tennis Federation), rolexparismasters.com, ATP Tour.