Grigor Dimitrov Triumphs on Return as Paris Masters Debuts at La Defense Arena

Posted : 28 October 2025

Grigor Dimitrov made a successful comeback at the Paris Masters, defeating Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

Grigor Dimitrov made a winning return to competition on Monday, defeating France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6(5), 6-1 in the opening round of the Paris Masters. The match marked not only Dimitrov’s comeback from injury but also the first-ever main draw match at the tournament’s new home — La Defense Arena.

After nearly four decades at the iconic Bercy Arena, the Paris Masters has relocated across the city to the sprawling La Defense Arena, a state-of-the-art venue better known as the home of rugby club Racing 92. Opened in 2017, the multi-purpose complex has hosted major concerts, political events, and even Olympic swimming competitions. Now converted for tennis, it boasts the second-largest show court in the world, trailing only New York’s Arthur Ashe Stadium.

For Dimitrov, the night was about redemption and recovery. The former world No. 3 was playing his first match since Wimbledon, where he was forced to retire in the fourth round while leading eventual champion Jannik Sinner by two sets. “Winning or losing today would have been a victory in itself,” said the 34-year-old Bulgarian. “I’ve had to be very patient with my recovery. I’m just happy to be competing again.”

Despite facing a partisan French crowd, Dimitrov stayed composed, taking the first set in a tight tiebreak before dominating the second. His precise returns and sharp movement helped him secure an early break and seal the win comfortably. The victory sends him into the round of 32, where he will face either Daniil Medvedev or Spain’s Jaume Munar.

Elsewhere, 12th seed Andrey Rublev eased into the second round with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Britain’s Jacob Fearnley. Rublev broke Fearnley’s serve at crucial moments and expressed satisfaction with his form, saying, “He played much better in the second set, but I’m happy with the way I managed the match.”

The tournament’s opening day also featured strong performances from French wildcards. Arthur Cazaux earned a 7-6(5), 7-6(4) win over Italy’s Luciano Darderi, inaugurating the 17,500-seat centre court in style. Fellow Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech followed with an identical scoreline against Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan, delighting the local fans.

Other results included Italy’s Flavio Cobolli cruising past Czech player Tomas Machac 6-1, 6-4, while Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik defeated Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 6-3. The day’s schedule was set to conclude with 10th seed Karen Khachanov facing American qualifier Ethan Quinn.

The Paris Masters’ move to La Defense Arena marks a new era for the historic event — one that began with Dimitrov’s inspiring comeback under the bright lights of its impressive new home.

Grigor Dimitrov Triumphs on Return as Paris Masters Debuts at La Defense Arena

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