#RG2020 - BNP Paribas confirms its commitment to the younger generation of international tennis players

This year, despite the health crisis, the French Open goes  ahead. The most famous clay-court tournament welcomes the world’s greatest tennis players and has adapted to this unprecedented situation. With a capacity reduced to 1,000 people per day and a completely renovated stadium with a new retractable roof on the Philippe Chatrier court, the French Open offers the best possible conditions for players and their fans.

In view of the health situation, BNP Paribas has decided to donate all of its seats to the French Tennis Federation, which will pass them on to the general public, and in particular young tennis fans. On this unprecedented edition of the tournament, BNP Paribas continues more than ever to celebrate tennis with fans and is committed to building the tennis of tomorrow by bringing generations together around sharing, transmission and solidarity. This approach ties in perfectly with BNP Paribas’ corporate commitment to the younger generation.

“Sur la Voix des Champions”: when the greatest legends of world tennis inspire tomorrow’s champions!  

The expertise of the greatest champions can be a source of inspiration and motivation for future tennis talents. Aware of the importance of this influence, and in line with the “#RGLegendsTalks“ and Young Talent MasterClass programmes launched in May 2020, BNP Paribas is bringing tennis generations together through a new and exceptional scheme. 

During the French Open, BNP Paribas organised inspiring and engaging e-meetings between some of the greatest legends of world tennis and the future champions of the BNP Paribas Young Talent Team. The fledglings of French tennis had the chance to attend digital conferences, during which the greatest players in the history of world tennis shared their expertise and advice as pros. John McEnroe, Chris Evert, Mary Pierce, Martina Navratilova, Boris Becker and Yannick Noah were there to pass on the secrets of what motivates them to our future champions.

With a view to extend this exceptional event and to spread the valuable advice of the world’s Tennis Legends, We Are Tennis is launching “Sur la Voix des Champions”, in partnership with the musical collective Bon Entendeur, renowned for its creative concept, based on a personality, a theme, an hour of musical discovery. The mixtape “Sur la Voix des Champions” will bring together all of the “mantras” shared by Tennis Legends with an “electro beat” background. This musical creation, a true source of inspiration for current and future generations of world tennis players, will accompany them throughout their journey as champions. 

Stay tuned! The track “Sur la Voix des Champions“ will be broadcast exclusively on Deezer, Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube and Apple on Friday 2 October 2020.

Our future champions

Since 2018, BNP Paribas has been contributing to the next generation of top-level tennis players and is committed to working with the younger generation, to reveal and support the champions of tomorrow. In France, Italy, South Africa and the United States, 100 talented young players aged 6 to 18 joined various support programmes created by BNP Paribas: Team BNP Paribas Young Talent; Team BNP Paribas Mac 1 in the United States; Team BNP Paribas Kids Fête le Mur.

Diane Parry, Elsa Jacquemot and Arthur Cazaux , all three of whom are members of the Young Talents Team, have each been awarded a wild card to participate in this historic edition of the French Open.

Félix Auger-Aliassime, young tennis hope and committed ambassador for children’s education in Togo

Félix Auger-Aliassime, one of the youngest players on the ATP Tour, wishes to make his contribution to the future of the younger generation by combining his sporting performances with his personal commitment. Values that echo the Group’s commitment to future generations.

In early 2020, he launched with BNP Paribas the #FAAPointsForChange solidarity program. This initiative aims to improve education and the protection of children’s rights in the Kara region of Togo, the country of origin of Felix’s father. 

For each point that he wins on the ATP circuit, Félix Auger-Aliassime will be donating $5 and BNP Paribas will be topping this up with another $15. The money raised will be used to finance the EduChange programme set up by the NGO Care. The collection counter posted on wearetennis.bnpparibas shows the points scored in real time. To date, the counter already stands at more than 4,000 points.

Unfortunately, Félix lost at Roland Garros against Yoshihito Nishioka. However, he will play at the Paris Masters in a few weeks: an opportunity to support and encourage him to score points for his project!

And we’re also proud of our solidarity programme: “Aces du Coeur” 

As part of the “Aces du Coeur” programme, for each ace served on the French Open central court, BNP Paribas will donate an exceptional 100 euros to the Robert-Debré AP-HP University Hospital. The funds raised will finance the neonatal department, to help support breastfeeding for premature babies.

Created in 2013, BNP Paribas’ “Aces du Coeur” solidarity programme aims to help improve the living conditions and care of hospitalised children and their families. It’s in operation at several tournaments sponsored by BNP Paribas, in France and abroad.