Rolex Paris Masters: after the cursed “night session”, spectators finally compensated

Two or even three hours of waiting, information delivered in dribs and drabs, scenes of annoyance and even discomfort, fortunately not serious… On November 1, the Paris-Bercy tennis tournament experienced an early evening to say the least contrast. While inside the enclosure, the Frenchman Ugo Humbert offered a Homeric resistance to Alexander Zverev, the kind of fight that the Parisian public loves every fall, there were several thousand on the square in front of the Accor Arena pawing of impatience.

Invited to arrive by 7:30 p.m., their turn had not yet come. To return, they needed this part, the last of the day program, to end. Which was not the case… until 10 p.m.

The day after the incident, an apology was presented during a press briefing: “We are sorry for the people who were in the evening session. Once again, it is the sporting process and not the desire of the tournament to make them wait outside,” said tournament boss Cédric Pioline.

Players also angry

We have learned in recent days that management has also made a financial gesture. Spectators of this “night session” informed us that they had received 50% compensation. This compensation has been in effect for a few days for those who have reserved their place online (classic price between 19 and 99 euros). For others, “you will receive an e-mail in the coming days telling you the procedure to follow in order to send us your RIB”, promised management in an e-mail dated November 20. Repeating in passing that the public had “suffered a very long wait”, and therefore a “significantly degraded experience”.

This organizational hiccup was only half a surprise. The 2022 edition had already been marred by extended night sessions, putting part of the public at odds, particularly families with children. Players on the circuit had also complained about it, like Corentin Moutet, who converted his match point at 2:52 a.m. then faced Stefanos Tsitsipas 16 hours later.

This year, Italian star Jannik Sinner did not take the risk of playing two matches in such a short time. Winner of his second round during the night, he refused to appear on the court “twelve hours later”. “I have to make the right decision for my health and my body,” he justified.

Three matches on Central Court in 2024, not four

To remedy these reception problems, the tournament management announced on December 14 a modification of its program in 2024 – the last edition in Bercy, barring a last minute change of heart. No longer four but three games will be played on Center Court during the first days of the tournament.

Enough to gain flexibility and minimize the risk of a very or too late night session – where for once nothing changes with always two matches. Contacted about the details of this compensation, the French Tennis Federation did not wish to comment.