RENNES/STARNBERG, September 16, 2025
The 19th edition of the Open Blot Rennes set a new benchmark, achieving record attendance and delivering a week of top-class tennis and vibrant atmosphere.
Attendance Record and a Dream Final
For the first time in its history, the tournament welcomed more than 35,000 spectators across the week — a new milestone for the ATP Challenger 100 event staged at Le Liberté Arena. Sunday’s sold-out finale featured exactly what the fans had hoped for: a showdown between the top two seeds, France’s Hugo Gaston and three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka. After the doubles final, the packed stands were treated to a high-quality battle that Gaston won 6–4, 6–4.
Following in the footsteps of Andy Murray and Dominic Thiem, the tournament once again attracted a Grand Slam winner and former world No. 3. Throughout the week, Wawrinka dazzled the crowds both on and off court. Nearly 9,000 partner guests enjoyed the hospitality areas, while 4,000 children from schools and tennis clubs in Ille-et-Vilaine attended thanks to the Kids Day and the Open des Scolaires.
A Lively Village and a Festival of Sports
Another highlight was the Open Village, which was open to the public free of charge and buzzing with activities all week: padelshot, pickleball and pétanque courts, a speed radar, Molkky and more. The first-ever “Fête du Sport,” held on Sunday 14 September and organised by the Cercle Paul Bert, invited everyone to try out a range of sports — volleyball, badminton, table tennis, basketball, handball, football, teqball, hockey and ultimate — at no cost.
Making Tennis Accessible and Inclusive
True to its values, the Open Blot Rennes continued to promote tennis in all its forms. The “Open en Quartiers” by Pierre Promotion brought tennis to children year-round; “Open Together” by Neosoft showcased wheelchair tennis; the “Open Étudiant” by INSEEC allowed students to play on the centre court; and the “Open des Bretonnes” highlighted women’s tennis.
New Concepts and Fresh Energy
This year also introduced the “Bistrot Festif” on the Open Village, run by the Béret team, serving delicious meals in a warm, music-filled atmosphere. Inside this new space, the “Open Magic by Mythos” made its debut — a first collaboration between two major cultural events, designed to bring audiences together.
Heading Towards the 20th Anniversary
With the resounding success of 2025, the Open Blot Rennes is already looking ahead to its 20th anniversary edition in September 2026.
Reactions
Matthieu Blesteau, Tournament Director:
“We’ve just experienced a historic edition. Passing the 35,000-spectator mark is a huge satisfaction for us and a reward for months of hard work. The Open Blot Rennes keeps growing every year, with the aim of making tennis accessible, inclusive and popular for the people of Rennes.”
Nicolas Mahut, Sports Director:
“It’s been a wonderful edition with a dream final won by Hugo Gaston, another Frenchman added to the Open Blot Rennes winners’ list. It will be remembered for Stan Wawrinka’s appearance — one of the legends of the game — who was outstanding all week on and off the court.”
Hugo Gaston, 2025 Champion:
“I came here three years ago. It’s a great tournament with superb organisation, and we’re always welcomed warmly. The arena is incredible, the walk-on gives you goosebumps, everything around the tournament is perfect. A big thank you to the public — playing in a full stadium is fantastic.”
Stanislas Wawrinka, 2025 Finalist:
“It’s incredible — the arena is great to play in, compact, full of people, so much noise. It’s a pleasure to compete in these conditions. That’s why I try to play as much as possible in France, I have a special connection with the public. Despite the loss, it was a very positive week, a success. The emotions were exceptional thanks to the people here and the tournament. Everything off court is perfect for us players, the atmosphere is outstanding. I’m glad I decided to come here.”
Harold Mayot, 2025 Quarterfinalist:
“I’ve played here four or five times — it’s a tournament I love, with so many French players. The organisation is top-notch, I’m happy to come back every year. I’ll keep returning until I break into the top 50 (laughs).”
