LYON, France – A new indoor event will be added to the WTA Tour calendar in 2020, with the Open 6ème Sens to be played at the Palais des Sports de Gerland in Lyon, France from March 2-8, 2020.

This new tournament will supplement the ATP 250 Open Parc Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes and the Sopra Steria Challenger Open, which currently take place in the city. 

With more than 125,000 players, the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region of France is one of the most fertile in terms of tennis in the country and has nurtured world-class players such as former WTA World No.7 Marion Bartoli and Caroline Garcia, who is currently French No.1.

“I’m an ambassador of the city of Lyon around the world everyday and I look forward to promoting my passion in my home region, which is a true heart of tennis and innovation in terms of women’s sport,” Garcia said. “This project has been important to me for many years and I think this is the perfect time to set it up. I hope it can prove a lasting event.”

The Open 6ème Sens wishes to establish itself among the most important dates on the WTA Tour, with the aim of imposing itself as a must-see competition in its first year, and as the second most important women’s tournament in France after Roland-Garros.

Perfectly situated in the calendar between the tournaments in Dubai and Doha, and that of Indian Wells in the USA, the Open 6ème Sens will represents a true competitive opportunity for players worldwide.

Each year, a sample of the best 32 players in the world will take part. Around 10 players in the Top 50 of the WTA Ranking are expected to participate, including one or two in the Top 10 to offer a high-quality show throughout the week.

Naturally, the tournament should be able to count on the presence of all the best French players who have the desire to play on home soil.

The Open 6ème Sens will take initiatives in order to maximise the number of spectators, including attractions around the court, the opportunity to interact with players and even a kid’s day on Wednesday.

In addition to the on-court action, there will be opportunities for sponsors and their guests to enjoy hospitality into the night, including a Players’ Party on Monday and a Gala evening on Friday.

“The WTA would like to welcome Lyon to our Tour beginning in 2020,” WTA CEO and Chairman Steve Simon said. “France, which has five players in the Top 100 and many more on the rise, is led by Caroline Garcia and we are delighted she will be an ambassador for this event.

“We look forward to seeing our athletes compete in this beautiful city and working with the very talented team of the Sport Plus Conseil.”