History of Indian Wells Open in Timeline

The BNP Paribas Open, held annually in March at Indian Wells, California, is a prominent professional tennis tournament. Played on outdoor hardcourts at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, it features both ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 events. The tournament attracts top-ranked players and is a significant event on both the men's and women's professional tennis circuits.

1974: Non-Tour Event

In 1974, the Indian Wells Open was a non-tour event.

1976: Non-Tour Event

In 1976, the Indian Wells Open was a non-tour event.

1977: Part of Grand Prix Tennis Tour

In 1977, the Indian Wells Open was held as part of the Grand Prix Tennis Tour.

1989: Part of Grand Prix Tennis Tour

In 1989, the Indian Wells Open was held as part of the Grand Prix Tennis Tour.

1996: Combined Event

In 1996, the Indian Wells Open became one of the few fully combined events on both the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tours.

2000: Indian Wells Tennis Garden Built

In 2000, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, featuring 29 tennis courts and a 16,100-seat main stadium, was built.

2001: Williams sisters boycott

In 2001, Venus Williams withdrew from her semifinal match against her sister Serena at Indian Wells, prompting accusations of match-fixing and booing from the crowd during Serena's final match. Richard Williams, their father, alleged racial slurs were directed at him.

2004: Expanded Field

In 2004, the tournament expanded to a multi-week 96-player field.

2009: BNP Paribas Naming Rights

In 2009, the French multinational banking group BNP Paribas became the title sponsor, and has held the naming rights since then.

2009: Sale to Larry Ellison

In 2009, the tournament and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden were sold to Larry Ellison.

2013: Expansion and Upgrade of Facilities

After the 2013 BNP Paribas Open, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden began an expansion and upgrade of its facilities, including a new 8,000-seat Stadium 2 and the introduction of "Pro Purple" interior court color.

2014: Continued Boycott

From 2001 to 2014 the Williams sisters refused to participate in the Indian Wells tournament.

2015: Serena Williams Returns

In 2015, Serena Williams returned to Indian Wells after a 14-year boycott, following a phone call from Larry Ellison.

2015: High Attendance

In 2015, the Indian Wells Open had over 450,000 visitors, making it the most-attended tennis tournament in the world other than the four Majors.

2019: Milos Raonic wins the Eisenhower Cup

In 2019, Milos Raonic defeated Stan Wawrinka in the men's singles event of the Eisenhower Cup.

March 8, 2020: Tournament Postponed and Canceled

On March 8, 2020, the Indian Wells Open tournament was postponed, and later canceled, due to concerns over the potential spread of COVID-19.

2022: Amanda Anisimova wins the Eisenhower Cup

In 2022, Amanda Anisimova defeated Maria Sakkari in the women's singles event of the Eisenhower Cup.

2024: High Attendance

In 2024, the Indian Wells Open recorded a total attendance of 493,440, making it the best-attended tennis tournament outside the four Grand Slam tournaments.