Carlos Alcaraz stepped onto the court at La Défense Arena for his first training session ahead of the Rolex Paris Masters. The new venue, hosting the tournament for the first time, offers a fresh environment for the Spanish star, who is aiming to finish the season strong. “I’m excited to play here. It’s a new setting, and I’m feeling good,” said Alcaraz. He arrives in Paris after reaching the final in Vienna and the semifinals in Shanghai, showing solid late-season form.
Khachanov returns to the site of past glory
Karen Khachanov, winner of the 2018 edition of the Paris Masters, also trained at the new venue. The Russian is looking to rediscover the rhythm that led him to his biggest career title seven years ago. “It’s always special to be back in Paris. I have great memories here,” Khachanov told reporters. His aggressive baseline game and comfort on indoor hard courts make him a player to watch.
A new home for the Paris Masters
La Défense Arena replaces the AccorHotels Arena as the new host of the Rolex Paris Masters. The venue offers increased capacity and upgraded facilities, part of the ATP’s broader effort to modernize its tournament infrastructure. Tournament director Cédric Pioline commented: “This venue reflects the ambition we have for the future of tennis in Paris.”
Preparing for a stacked draw
With the tournament beginning on October 27, both Alcaraz and Khachanov are expected to be seeded. The field includes Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner, and defending champion Holger Rune. Early practice sessions at the new venue suggest players are adjusting quickly, setting the stage for a high-level conclusion to the Masters 1000 season.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
At the moment ranked no.1, Alcaraz played his last match on the 30th of September when he beat world no.4 Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4
in the final in Tokyo to win his 25th career title.Presently, during this year Carlos has achieved a 67-7 record. Alcaraz clinched 8 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Tokyo. Alcaraz was the runner-up in Barcelona and Wimbledon.
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). The main draw will start on the 27th of October.
Karen Khachanov in 2025
At the moment ranked no.13, the Russian played his last match on the 20th of October when he capitulated to world no.28 Tallon Griekspoor 6-3 5-7 6-4 in the 1st round in Vienna (draw).
Currently, during this year Karen has managed to achieve an overall 30-23 record. Karen Khachanov’s best result of the present year was reaching the final in Toronto.
Carlos Alcaraz and Karen Khachanov clashed against each other 5 times. Their actual head to head record is 5-0 for Alcaraz.