The world’s best badminton players are set to descend upon France for the prestigious YONEX French Open 2025, a marquee event on the BWF World Tour calendar. As one of only five Super 750 tournaments worldwide, this event guarantees a week of elite competition, dramatic upsets, and exhilarating rallies. Unlike the 2024 edition, which served as a dress rehearsal for the Paris Olympics, the 2025 event returns to the heart of Brittany, promising a more intimate yet equally electric atmosphere for the fans.
This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information for spectators and viewers, covering the detailed match schedule, the massive prize money on offer, and crucial details on how to experience the action live at the Glaz Arena.
The Venue: Glaz Arena, The Heart of the Action
The YONEX French Open 2025 will be held from Tuesday, October 21st, to Sunday, October 26th, 2025, at the Glaz Arena in Cesson-Sévigné, a vibrant commune located just outside Rennes. This state-of-the-art multi-purpose arena is a familiar home for the French Open, having hosted the tournament in recent years. Known for its superb acoustics and excellent sightlines, the Glaz Arena offers seating for approximately 4,500 to 5,000 spectators, making it an ideal venue for the fast-paced action of badminton. Its modular design ensures that the focus remains entirely on the courts, providing an immersive experience for every rally, smash, and drop shot.
The atmosphere within the arena is a core part of the tournament’s appeal. Attending live allows fans to feel the sheer power of the athletes’ movements and the intensity of the competition up close. Furthermore, the venue is equipped with all the necessary modern facilities, including a large main hall (the Arena), dedicated press areas, and multiple lounges, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience for all attendees. Fans planning to attend should keep in mind that all listed times are local, observing Central European Summer Time (UTC+2).
Detailed Tournament Schedule
The schedule for the YONEX French Open 2025 is structured to progressively narrow the field, culminating in the highly anticipated finals on Sunday. Doors Open times are set well in advance of the first match, giving fans ample time to soak in the atmosphere and find their seats.
| Date | Round | Doors Open | Start Time (UTC+2) | No. of Matches Televised (Court 1) | No. of Matches Televised (Court 2) |
| Tue, Oct 21 | Round of 32 (Top Half) | 9:30 AM | 10:00 AM | N/A | N/A |
| Wed, Oct 22 | Round of 32 (Bottom Half) | 9:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 10 | N/A |
| Thu, Oct 23 | Round of 16 | 9:30 AM / 4:00 PM | 10:00 AM (S. I) / 5:00 PM (S. II) | 10 (S. I + II) | 8 (S. I + II) |
| Fri, Oct 24 | Quarter-Finals | 9:00 AM / 4:00 PM | 10:00 AM (S. I) / 5:00 PM (S. II) | 10 (S. I + II) | 8 (S. I + II) |
| Sat, Oct 25 | Semi-Finals | 9:00 AM / 4:00 PM | 10:00 AM (S. I) / 5:00 PM (S. II) | 10 (S. I + II) | N/A |
| Sun, Oct 26 | Finals | 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 5 | N/A |
The Round of 32 is split across Tuesday and Wednesday. The tournament adopts a split-session format for the later rounds—Round of 16, Quarter-Finals, and Semi-Finals—allowing fans two separate windows of high-quality badminton action on Court 1 and Court 2.
- Mid-Week Thrills (Tuesday & Wednesday): The competition begins with the Round of 32, a pivotal stage where all 32 participants in each of the five categories (Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles) enter the fray. Wednesday will see a high volume of matches on Court 1 (10 matches broadcasted).
- The Weekend Build-Up (Thursday to Saturday): From Thursday, the intensity escalates. The Round of 16 and Quarter-Finals feature dual-session days with eight to ten matches on the main courts alone, a true marathon for any badminton enthusiast. The Semi-Finals on Saturday will showcase the final four battles in a high-stakes setting, determining the ultimate contenders.
- Championship Sunday: The Finals day is reserved for the five title deciders. Starting at 11:00 AM, spectators will witness the crowning of the 2025 champions across all categories. Only the main court (Court 1) is used for the finals, providing a spectacular, uninterrupted spectacle for the fans.
A Substantial Reward: Prize Money Distribution
As a BWF World Tour Super 750 event, the YONEX French Open 2025 boasts one of the most generous prize purses in the sport. The total prize fund for the tournament has seen a significant elevation, now standing at an impressive US$950,000. This figure represents a notable 11.8% increase from the previous edition’s total, underscoring the event’s growing prestige and the investment in the top athletes.
The prize money distribution is structured to reward success across all stages, ensuring that every main draw participant is compensated for their efforts. Notably, Doubles winners receive a slightly larger overall pot compared to the Singles winners.
| Result | Singles (Per Player) | Doubles (Per Pair) |
| Winner | US$66,500 | US$70,300 |
| Runner-up | US$32,300 | US$33,250 |
| Semifinalist | US$13,300 | US$13,300 |
| Quarterfinalist | US$5,225 | US$5,937.50 |
| Round of 16 | US$2,850 | US$3,087.50 |
| Round of 32 | US$950 | US$950 |
For singles players, claiming the title will earn them an astounding US$66,500, a life-changing sum and a testament to their dominance. In the doubles categories, the winning pair will share a slightly larger reward of US$70,300, a tradition in badminton that recognizes the combined effort of a partnership. Even players eliminated in the early rounds, such as the Round of 16 or Quarter-Finals, will take home substantial winnings, reflecting the Super 750 status of the competition.
How to Watch: Live at the Glaz Arena and Broadcast
For the dedicated badminton fan, there is no substitute for experiencing the energy of the YONEX French Open live.
Attending Live at Glaz Arena:
The arena opens its doors 30 to 60 minutes before the scheduled start time, depending on the session. Fans should arrive with plenty of time to pass through security, check out any merchandise, and find their seats before the first shuttlecock is served. The Glaz Arena’s design, including a dedicated ancillary hall for practice (the Salle Annexe) and excellent seating, enhances the live viewing experience, allowing spectators to truly appreciate the speed and agility of the world’s best. With a modest capacity of under 5,000, every seat offers a fantastic view, making it a unique and sought-after ticket on the World Tour.
Broadcast Coverage:
While being at the Glaz Arena is the ultimate experience, comprehensive broadcast coverage is available globally. The tournament organizers confirm that Courts 1 and 2 will be featured in the television broadcast throughout the event. Court 1 typically offers coverage of the key matches from the early rounds through to the finals, while Court 2 focuses on high-profile matches during the mid-week stages.
For fans unable to attend, the most accessible option for comprehensive viewing is the BWF YouTube Channel. The channel streams matches from all courts, usually starting from the tournament’s opening day. This free streaming service has become the primary global viewing platform, bringing the action to millions of viewers worldwide. Additionally, spectators are advised to check with local broadcasters in their specific region for dedicated television coverage, which may include commentary in their native language and additional content.
The YONEX French Open 2025 promises to be a spectacular display of skill and determination. Whether you are one of the lucky few to witness the lightning-fast rallies live at the Glaz Arena or you are tuning in from home, prepare for six days of unforgettable Super 750 badminton action.