Grigor Dimitrov made a winning return to action on Monday, defeating France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6 (7-5), 6-1 in the first round of the Paris Masters — the tournament’s first edition at its new home, La Défense Arena.
After nearly four decades at the Bercy Arena, the Paris Masters has relocated across the city to the vast multi-purpose venue, which previously hosted Olympic swimming events and serves as the home of rugby club Racing 92.
With a capacity of 17,500, La Défense Arena now boasts the second-largest tennis court in the world, behind only the US Open’s Arthur Ashe Stadium.
For Dimitrov, the match marked a special comeback. The 34-year-old former world number three was playing his first competitive match since retiring injured in the fourth round of Wimbledon, where he had led eventual champion Jannik Sinner by two sets.
“Winning or losing today would have been a win for me,” Dimitrov said after his victory. “I’m just so happy to compete again. I had to be extremely patient with myself, and I’m grateful for this moment.”
The Bulgarian edged a tight opening set in a tiebreak, overcoming strong home support for the big-serving Mpetshi Perricard, before breaking early in the second set and cruising to victory.
Dimitrov will face either Daniil Medvedev or Jaume Munar in the round of 32.
Elsewhere, 12th seed Andrey Rublev eased past Britain’s Jacob Fearnley 6-1, 6-4, while French wildcards Arthur Cazaux and Arthur Rinderknech delighted local fans with identical 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-4) victories over Luciano Darderi and Fabian Marozsan, respectively.
Italy’s Flavio Cobolli opened play on Court One with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Tomas Machac, and 13th seed Alexander Bublik advanced past Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 6-3.
Tenth seed Karen Khachanov was scheduled to close out the day’s action against American qualifier Ethan Quinn.
