"The goal is to have three top 10 players," Tsonga and Ascione state their ambitions for the new ATP 250 in Lyon

Jules Hypolite

le 04/09/2025 à 21h50

1 min to read

Ascione Marseille Tsonga

From October 18 to 25, 2026, the Grand Prix Auvergne Rhône-Alpes will take place, a new tournament in the ATP 250 category officially replacing the Open 13 in Marseille, which was held every year in February.

The event was presented on Thursday, with the presence of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Thierry Ascione, both organizers of the tournament. Statements from their press conference were relayed by Le Figaro, where they discussed their ambitions for the first edition:

"We had the opportunity to move the date. In October, it will be very favorable in the calendar to have a strong field, during a period when players are still fighting to qualify for the Masters.

The goal is to have some of the best players in the world, three ranked in the top ten, the best French players, and the best regional players with a cut around number 55," initially stated Thierry Ascione, who will be the tournament director.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, for his part, mentioned a venue change that made a difference with the ATP: "The playing conditions will be exceptional. The ATP was very impressed by the venue and fully supported the change of location, from Marseille to Lyon."

The tournament will take place in the LDLC Arena and will be able to accommodate up to 11,000 spectators.