As the tennis season stretches toward its conclusion, fatigue and weariness have become common themes among the sport’s elite, and world number three Alexander Zverev is no exception. Ahead of the Paris Masters, Zverev openly addressed some hurdles he’s encountered with the tournament’s new setting, the La Défense Arena, which replaced the Bercy Arena after nearly four decades.

For 38 years, the Paris Masters was synonymous with the Bercy Arena, a venue renowned for its unique atmosphere and intimate court setting. This long-standing relationship came to a close in 2023 when the tournament moved to the newly constructed La Défense Arena, a larger and more modern venue designed to host a variety of events, including sports and concerts. While the upgrade was generally welcomed for its enhanced facilities and capacity, it brought with it some logistical and environmental adjustments that not all players immediately embraced.

Zverev, the tournament’s defending champion, offered candid remarks in his pre-tournament press conference, acknowledging the improvements but also pointing out areas that left him less than satisfied. “It’s not like I’m complaining or anything,” he said wryly, “I just think there are some things that are definitely better here… and then there are some things that are maybe a little bit worse than before.” Particularly, he highlighted the practice courts as being “a little bit of a mess,” citing issues with noise and distractions coming from adjacent courts.

The loud environment in the La Défense Arena’s practice areas contrasts sharply with the comparatively quieter setting players enjoyed within the Bercy Arena’s confines. This is an important aspect considering that practice sessions allow competitors to prepare their tactics and hit with focus—a necessity at a high-stakes Masters 1000 event. Noise pollution, while seemingly minor, can disrupt concentration and impact a player’s rhythm ahead of a match. Zverev’s observations underline how even small shifts in environment can affect an athlete’s preparation.

Despite these frustrations, Zverev remains undeterred. His track record at the Paris Masters is impressive—he claimed his first Masters 1000 title here in 2018, at the age of just 21, marking a breakthrough on the tour. He successfully defended his title in 2022, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure on indoor hard courts, which typically favor aggressive baseline play. The Paris Masters often serves as a critical battleground in the ATP calendar, not only for its high ranking points but also as the final tune-up before the prestigious ATP Finals.

Facing Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the opening round, Zverev will have a crucial test of both his physical stamina and mental fortitude. The season-long grind, including new challenges posed by the venue change, makes every match more taxing than it might seem on paper. Additionally, the Paris Masters marks one of the last opportunities for players to secure qualification or improve their seeding for the ATP Finals. This added pressure often elevates the intensity and physical demands of the competition.

The Paris Masters itself has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1986, quickly gaining prestige as one of the select nine ATP Masters 1000 events. Previous champions include tennis icons like Boris Becker, Marat Safin, Novak Djokovic, and Daniil Medvedev. The tournament is known for fast indoor courts that reward aggressive play and one of the most electric atmospheres on the tour. The relocation to La Défense Arena was part of a strategic plan to modernize the tournament infrastructure, aiming to appeal to a broader audience and increase spectator capacity. However, it also means that both players and fans are adjusting to a new ambience—one with different acoustics, lighting, and spatial dynamics.

Zverev’s remarks offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes realities of professional tennis, where players must continuously adapt not only to opponents but also to their changing environments. As the season winds down, staying motivated, focused, and physically fresh remains a monumental challenge. For a player of Zverev’s caliber—who has battled through injuries and fierce competition to cement his status among the top in the world—the ability to overcome these obstacles is crucial.

Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as Zverev navigates his way through the Paris Masters. Beyond the usual intrigue surrounding match outcomes, this tournament will reveal how well he and others can adjust to the new surroundings and maintain their peak performance under pressure. With the ATP Finals looming, where only the season’s best compete, every point earned in Paris carries extra weight. For Zverev, who is both tested and inspired by the high-stakes environment, the Paris Masters is yet another opportunity to reassert his dominance on the indoor hard courts and write the next chapter in his evolving career.