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2025 edition will cap 50 years of elite-level tennis in California's Coachella Valley

The party will hit a new milestone this year in Tennis Paradise.

The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is set to host the latest edition of the BNP Paribas Open, one of the most glamourous stops on the sport’s merry-go-round. It will cap five decades of an event that takes place in one of the most unique settings on the ATP Tour and Hologic WTA Tours: the stunning Coachella Valley in the southern California desert.

Ahead of the 2025 edition of the BNP Paribas Open, ATPTour.com takes a look at the long history of the tournament, its stellar lineup of past champions, and what to watch out for at this year’s event.

Nomadic Beginnings After beginning life in 1974 as a men’s non-tour-level event held in Tucson, Arizona, the BNP Paribas Open moved to California’s Coachella Valley for the first time in 1976, when it also became part of the ITF Grand Prix circuit. Jimmy Connors triumphed that year at Mission Hills Country Club in Palm Springs, where he prevailed in a field that also included his fellow members of the ATP No. 1 Club, Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg.

Despite some early uncertainty about the event's long-term future, the 1981 arrival as tournament director of Charlie Pasarell, a former Top 40 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, marked an upward turn in fortunes. In 1987, Pasarell joined forces with his fellow ex-pro Raymond Moore to move the event, which had been held in Tucson and three different cities in California (Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta) across its first 13 editions, to a large, modern facility at the newly completed Grand Champions Hotel in Indian Wells.

The 1987 move to Indian Wells also marked the first year that the BNP Paribas Open hosted a WTA event, although the men’s and women’s tournaments were not held concurrently until 1996.

Millenium Makeover Having firmly established itself as an early-season fixture on the ATP Tour and Hologic WTA Tour calendars, the BNP Paribas Open's next big move was to welcome a new millennium in the most ambitious way imaginable. Under the continued guidance of Pasarell and Moore, the event moved to its present-day home, the spectacular purpose-built Indian Wells Tennis Garden, in 2000, when it also became the first ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 to be expanded to 12 days.

That decision to build a state-of-the-art ‘Tennis Paradise’ in the desert, complete with 29 courts including a 16,000-seat stadium court (the second-biggest purpose-built tennis arena by capacity in the world after Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York), has proven crucial to the BNP Paribas Open becoming one of the most popular spots on Tour with players and fans alike.

"There's a reason why they call it Tennis Paradise," said joint-record five-time men's singles champion Novak Djokovic of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in 2024. "It’s an enjoyable experience for players, for fans. Anybody that really loves the sport enjoys this tournament very much."

The fan experience in Indian Wells remains unique to both Tours. As well as being spoilt for choice when it comes to watching the world’s finest male and female players strut their stuff, visitors to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden have plenty of other entertainment options across the 54-acre site. That includes live music daily throughout the tournament, world-class dining and premium shopping options.

In 2007, more than 300,000 fans visited the BNP Paribas Open, the first time any tournament outside the majors had hit that number. In 2024, the total attendance was a tournament-record 493,440.

Desert Dominance No matter the size, setting or stature of the event, the BNP Paribas Open has always attracted a star-studded lineup. After Connors triumphed in the inaugural tour-level edition of the event in 1976, he went on to add two more titles to his cabinet (in 1981 and 1984). He is one of five men to have tasted success in the California desert on three or more occasions.

Another home favourite, Michael Chang, was the first player to equal Connors' title tally. He triumphed in 1992, 1996 and 1997. From 2004, as on so many of tennis’ biggest stages, an era of ‘Big 3’ dominance began in the Coachella Valley. Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic (owners of a join-record five titles each), as well as Rafael Nadal (three titles) joined Connors and Chang as proven masters of the desert conditions.

As well as Connors, Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, eight other former No. 1s in the PIF ATP Rankings have lifted the trophy in Indian Wells — Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, Marcelo Rios, Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt and Carlos Alcaraz. In 2025, Alcaraz will attempt to join Federer and Djokovic as the only men to win the prestigious event in three consecutive years.

As Alcaraz chases a three-peat and Djokovic plots a record sixth title run this year in Indian Wells, the BNP Paribas Open will be sure to honour five decades of elite-level tennis in the Coachella Valley, a setting that was perhaps once considered an unlikely setting for a pro event of any stature. The plans include a special Friday Night Fireworks Show on 7 March to celebrate ’50 Years of Tennis In The Desert’, and recognise one of the ATP Tour’s biggest annual spectacles.

Nestled in the heart of the Coachella Valley, the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, has grown from a modest tournament into one of the most prestigious events in professional tennis. Dubbed the “fifth Grand Slam” due to its popularity and high-level competition, the tournament has a rich history dating back to the 1970s.

The Beginnings: A Desert Dream

The event began in 1974 as the American Airlines Tennis Games, held in Tucson, Arizona. Its early years saw legends like Jimmy Connors and Roscoe Tanner battling for supremacy. In 1976, the tournament moved to Mission Hills Country Club in California, where it gained traction as part of the professional tennis circuit. However, it wasn’t until 1981 that the tournament found its permanent home in Indian Wells, a small desert city with big aspirations for tennis.

The Growth and Transformation

The event continued to grow, moving to the Grand Champions Hotel in 1987 and later becoming part of the ATP Masters 1000 series. By 1996, it had found a new, state-of-the-art home at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, built by billionaire businessman and tennis enthusiast Larry Ellison. The stadium, with a capacity of 16,100, became the second-largest in the world, behind only Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

One of the tournament’s defining moments came in 2000 when the women’s event, previously held separately, was merged with the men’s competition, creating one of the few combined ATP-WTA events outside the Grand Slams. This decision helped Indian Wells stand out as a premier destination for both men’s and women’s tennis.

The BNP Paribas Era and Global Recognition

In 2009, French banking giant BNP Paribas became the title sponsor, further solidifying the tournament’s financial strength and global reputation. The BNP Paribas Open has since been voted by players as their favorite ATP Masters 1000 and WTA Premier Mandatory event multiple times, thanks to its player-friendly atmosphere, generous prize money, and top-tier facilities.

Throughout the years, the tournament has seen tennis greats like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Naomi Osaka showcase their skills on its courts. Iconic matches, such as Federer vs. Nadal in the 2017 final, have cemented its legacy as a must-watch event in the tennis calendar.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite its success, the BNP Paribas Open has faced challenges, including its cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was one of the first major sporting events to be called off that year, marking a turning point in global sports. However, the tournament returned in 2021, albeit with a different schedule, proving its resilience and continued importance in the tennis world.

A Bright Future in the California Desert

Today, the BNP Paribas Open remains a crown jewel of the tennis tour. With its luxurious setting, fan-friendly atmosphere, and continued investment in technology and sustainability, the tournament is poised to grow even further. Indian Wells has become more than just a stop on the tennis calendar—it’s a destination where legends are made and the sport’s future is shaped.

As the BNP Paribas Open looks ahead, it continues to honor its rich history while evolving to meet the demands of modern tennis, ensuring its place as one of the most beloved and prestigious tournaments in the world.

British number one Jack Draper put in a professional performance to defuse rising star Joao Fonseca and reach the Indian Wells third round.

The 23-year-old drew errors out of the explosive 18-year-old Brazilian to edge a tight first set, before racing through the second for a 6-4 6-0 win.

The way which 13th seed Draper moved through the gears against a tricky opponent touted as a future major champion was impressive.

"The kid is an unbelievable player with such firepower," he said of Fonseca.

"It is so good to have a superstar coming up - I'm sure he is going to be a top player."

Draper was playing his opening match at the Masters 1000 tournament - considered by many as the 'fifth Grand Slam event' - after receiving a bye in the first round.

Next he will face 24-year-old American Jenson Brooksby, who beat Canadian 17th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 6-2 in his second-round match.

Draper has only played two tournaments this year - winning three five-setters in a row to reach the Australian Open last 16 before finishing runner-up in Doha - as he has continued to manage a hip injury sustained in the off season.

The performance against Fonseca, whose matches are attracting large numbers of vocal Brazilian fans, was another example of his increasing maturity.

Initially below his best, Draper showed resilience and composure to subdue one of the fastest risers on the ATP Tour.

The buzz surrounding Fonseca, who became the fourth youngest man to win an ATP Tour title since 2000, led to hundreds arriving early to ensure they bagged a spot on a match held on the smaller fourth court.

Fonseca's biggest weapon is a ferocious forehand and, while he regularly demonstrated his easy power from the baseline, there were also signs of his inexperience.

In moments where the world number 80 perhaps needed a little more subtlety, he continued to hit extremely aggressively and paid the price as Draper broke again in the ninth game.

The Briton continued to counter-punch well and took the opener on his second set point when Fonseca overeagerly pushed another forehand wide.

Saving four of five break points proved key for Draper, while Fonseca's 23 unforced errors outweighing nine winners was another key statistic.

The second set was a different story.

Boosted by the lead, a more confident Draper vastly improved his first-serve percentage, dominated the rallies and moved sharply around the court.

The only blip was three successive double faults as he served for the match, but he recovered to clinch an impressive victory.

Draper knows a strong run in the Californian desert could push him into the world's top 10 for the first time in his career.

"I have still got a long way to go and build my tennis, fitness and mentality day in, day out," he added.

"I'm getting closer but I'm not a top-10 player until I get there."

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Saturday saw Russian tennis sensation Daniil Medvedev sail smoothly through his Indian Wells opener, followed by an audacious on-camera message aimed at Carlos Alcaraz. In his inaugural match at this American tournament, Medvedev dispatched Yunchaokete Bu in straight sets of 6-2, 6-2. But the real drama unfolded post-match, when Medvedev chose to respond to Alcaraz’s complaints about the state of the court with a sharp retort.

Tennis tradition allows players to leave messages or signatures on the camera lens using a marker post-match. Medvedev, however, swayed from the norm of thanking fans, instead using this opportunity to mockingly address Alcaraz, scribing: “6-2, 6-2, 1h 36m, very fast court [happy face].”

In the post-match interview, the Russian flipped the narrative on its head, declaring the court was quite the contrary. “It’s probably the slowest court I’ve ever played in my life,” said Medvedev, “Everyone’s experience of this court differs. Ask Sascha [Alexander Zverev] or Casper [Ruud], they’ll confirm it’s slow. At one point, I doubted if hitting a winner was even possible.”

These seemingly contradictory remarks make sense in light of Alcaraz’s recent criticism of the Indian Wells court. The Spaniard had expressed his bafflement over the organizers’ decision to lay a fresh court surface before the tournament. Several players, including Zverev and Ruud, had reported an unusual speed of the ball due to the new surface, which also saw them make a shock early exit from the tournament.

Alcaraz, on March 4, had voiced his confusion, “The court is faster, right? It’s a change I didn’t understand. The tournament had the same court for 25 years, and now it’s changed. I don’t understand the reason behind it. I need to practice on it. I believe I can adapt my game to the surface and conditions. Despite the faster courts, I play great tennis. But I didn’t understand the change when I saw it.”

Medvedev is not the only one who disagrees with Alcaraz’s perspective. Holger Rune advocated for faster courts, claiming they will enhance the ATP Tour’s play. “The balls are slow these days,” Rune noted, “A slightly faster court, in contrast, makes the game more intriguing. There are too many fast balls on fast courts and slow balls on slow courts. Tournaments like Indian Wells are striving to strike a balance, which is beneficial for the players.”

As the controversy over the court’s speed continues, Alcaraz is set to demonstrate his adaptability when he faces off against Quentin Halys in his first match of the tournament on Saturday evening.

INDIAN WELLS, California - Former champion Naomi Osaka was sent packing from Indian Wells after a 6-4 6-4 first-round defeat by Colombia's Camila Osorio on Wednesday.

The Japanese four-time Grand Slam champion never looked comfortable against Osorio's dynamic shotmaking and piled up the unforced errors on a cool evening in the California desert.

After a near flawless first set from Osorio, Osaka fended off a match point at 5-3 in the second to stay alive, much to the delight of the fans.

Nerves appeared to get to Osorio as she attempted to serve out the match in the next game, where she double faulted twice and fell behind 0-40.

She regrouped, however, saving four break points in the game and crushing a forehand winner that caught the line to advance, celebrating with a dance on the court under the lights.

"First, good evening everyone, I'm Camila Osorio," she said with a laugh in an on-court interview.

"It's crazy for me, it's a dream come true. I really wanted to play on this court and was really excited and looking forwards to playing a champion like Naomi, so I can't believe it."

World number 53 Osorio becomes the first Colombian woman to beat a former world number one. She takes on 22nd seed Clara Tauson of Denmark in the second round.

It was Osaka's first match since withdrawing from the Australian Open third round due to an abdominal strain.

Osaka, who beat Daria Kasatkina in the Indian Wells final in 2018 for her first career title, appeared to struggle with the consistency of her ball tosses and accuracy off both wings.

KVITOVA OUT

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova also made an early exit, losing 4-6 6-3 6-4 to France's Varvara Gracheva.

The loss leaves Kvitova searching for her first win since returning to the tour following the birth of her first child last July. She also lost in the first round in Austin last week in her first tournament following a 16-month absence.

The Czech grabbed the first set as both players struggled to control their serve but Gracheva settled in to level the match before jumping out to a 3-1 lead in the decider.

Kvitova won three straight games to take a 4-3 lead but Gracheva took control from there, dominating the final three games to dispatch the tournament wildcard and set up a meeting with Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva.

Gracheva said she wanted to congratulate Kvitova for juggling the demands of motherhood and being a professional athlete.

"Because she had a child quite recently and I'm so happy that she now has the role of a mother and a tennis player, which is very demanding," she added.

"It's very inspiring for sports, athletes, women - it's just amazing. Petra, my admiration to you - you're the best."

Gracheva's fellow Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia also advanced to the second round with a 6-3 6-4 win over American Bernarda Pera and will next play defending champion Iga Swiatek.

Belarusian Victoria Azarenka battled past American Clervie Ngounoue 6-4 7-6(7) to get her campaign for a third Indian Wells crown off to a winning start.

On the men's side, Kei Nishikori emerged the victor in a rollercoaster match with Spain's Jaume Munar to advance 6-2 5-7 7-6(3). The Japanese player will face 18th seeded Frenchman Ugo Humbert in the second round.

Britain's Cam Norrie thrashed Italy's Luca Nardi 6-0 6-3 in the evening to set up a second round meeting with Czech 23rd seed Jiri Lehecka.

American qualifier Colton Smith celebrated his 22nd birthday with his first ATP Tour main draw win, beating Flavio Cobolli 3-6 6-2 6-2.

Smith converted seven of his nine break point opportunities and was serenaded with "Happy Birthday" from the fans after downing the Italian.

American Marcos Giron, Russian Roman Safiullin and Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands were among the other players who advanced to the second round of the Masters 1000 event. REUTERS

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