Boris Becker will present the trophy at the 40th Paris Masters. The three-time champion is the centre of attention at this anniversary edition.
Boris Becker will present the Paris Masters winner’s trophy after Sunday’s final. The three-time champion is the centre of attention at this anniversary edition: 40 years ago, the German won the inaugural tournament and became the first player to have his name engraved on the trophy.
Tournament director Cédric Pioline sees this success as a key moment in the tournament’s history. “For me, that moment established the tournament and secured its place for the long term. Forty years on, we are delighted to have Boris Becker, the first winner, here with us,” said Pioline.
Becker also triumphed at the indoor hard-court tournament in 1989 and 1992.
From Wednesday onwards, further former winners are to be honoured on Centre Court: Stefan Edberg, Goran Ivanisevic and the three French champions to date: Guy Forget, Sébastien Grosjean and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Forget won in 1991, Grosjean in 2001 and Tsonga in 2008.
Paris Masters honours Gaël Monfils following his retirement
On Tuesday evening, the tournament will also honour Gaël Monfils, who reached the final in both 2009 and 2010.
The 40th edition is the second to be held at the Plenitude Arena, following the tournament’s move from its long-standing venue at Bercy. Pioline, who says he has attended at least 39 editions, spending at least one day at each, describes the event as a “young old tournament with a rich history”.
Becker shaped the early years, whilst Novak Djokovic holds the record with seven titles. On Sunday, Becker will hand over the trophy to the next champion.