Originating in Tucson, Arizona in 1974, the BNP Paribas Open moved around several Southwest locations before settling down in Indian Wells, California. The first year saw a final between American tennis legend Arthur Ashe and Australian star John Newcombe. Although Newcombe won that match, many Americans have been able to claim the honor such as Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, and Andre Agassi.

The most exciting final occurred in 1991 when American Jim Courier defeated Guy Forget of France in a thrilling back and forth 5-set encounter that culminated in Courier winning a tiebreaker on the final set for the title. It was the first of two BNP Paribas Open Championships in Courier's career that included 4 Grand Slam victories.

BNP Paribas Open Location:

The BNP Paribas Open is played in the spectacular location of the Coachella Valley desert in Southern California.

BNP Paribas Open Court:

The BNP Paribas Open is played at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The main stadium seats 16,000 spectators and is the second larges tennis stadium worldwide. The surface is hard court.

BNP Paribas Open Traditions:  
• The tournament is one of the largest worldwide and draws a field of 96 entrants in both Men's and Women's Single.
• The BNP Paribas Open is the only tennis tournament worldwide to include replay technology in all the courts and use it for every match.
• The Indian Wells Tennis Garden also serves as a concert venue with recent performances by The Eagles, Tom Petty, Andrea Bocelli, and Luciano Pavarotti.

Recent Historic Moments of the BNP Paribas Open:  
• Roger Federer beat John Isner for the title last year and claimed his 4th BNP Paribas Open, more than any other competitor.
• Maria Sharapova was denied a second BNP Paribas Open title last year when she was defeated by Victoria Azarenka in straight sets.
• An American has not won a PNB Paribas Single's tournament since Serena Williams and Andre Agassi both won in 2001.

Total Prize Money:
2013: Yet to be determined
2012: $11,000,000

Current Champions:
2012 Men's Single: Roger Federer
2012 Women's Single: Victoria Azarenka
2012 Men's Double: Marc Lopez, Rafael Nadal
2012 Women's Double: Liezel Huber, Lisa Raymond