Never threatened by the Saudis": Cédric Pioline clarifies the future of the Rolex Paris Masters

While Saudi Arabia is set to host a Masters 1000 from 2028, Cédric Pioline has sought to calm fears. The director of the Parisian tournament assures that the Parisian tournament, now held at the Paris La Défense Arena, is solidly protected by a contract running until 2035.

Tomorrow, the 39th edition of the Rolex Paris Masters will begin with the qualifying rounds. It is within the Paris La Défense Arena that the players will go toe-to-toe in this Masters 1000, which retains its one-week format.

A necessary venue change was made this year so the tournament could keep its status. However, this move has no connection to the ATP's announcement of the creation of a tenth Masters 1000 in Saudi Arabia starting in 2028.

This was stated by tournament director Cédric Pioline on Friday, as reported by Ouest-France:

"(The tournament) has never been threatened by the Saudis. We have a signed contract with the ATP that protects us for a very long time (it runs until 2035). [...] I think it's good that there are new entities investing in tennis. But it obviously raises questions about the calendar.