Introduction to Indian Wells Tennis Tournament
The Indian Wells Tennis Tournament, or BNP Paribas Open, is an annual tennis event held in Indian Wells, California. It is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world and is the fifth largest tennis event, based on attendance. It is held every March and is one of the few tournaments to offer equal prize money to both genders, along with the Australian and US Open. This year, the tournament will be held from March 9th to March 22nd.
History of Indian Wells Tennis Tournament
The first Indian Wells Tennis Tournament was held in 1989. It was founded by former tennis players Charlie Pasarell and Raymond Moore. Originally, the tournament was held in Mission Viejo, California. In 1993, the tournament moved to Indian Wells, California, where it is still held today.
Tournament Format
The Indian Wells Tennis Tournament is an ATP Masters 1000 event, a prestigious event where the top players in the world compete. The tournament is a 128-player single-elimination event, with both men’s and women’s singles and doubles competitions. The tournament is divided into four rounds: the round of 128, the round of 64, the round of 32, and the round of 16.
Prize Money
The Indian Wells Tennis Tournament is one of the few tournaments to offer equal prize money to both men and women. The total prize money for the tournament is $9,928,700, with the singles champions receiving $1,340,860.
Notable Players
The Indian Wells Tennis Tournament has had many of the greatest players in the world compete over the years. Some of the most notable players to have competed in the tournament are:
- Roger Federer, who has won the tournament five times
- Rafael Nadal, who has won the tournament four times
- Novak Djokovic, who has won the tournament three times
- Serena Williams, who has won the tournament three times
- Maria Sharapova, who has won the tournament twice
TV Coverage
The Indian Wells Tennis Tournament is broadcast around the world. In the United States, the tournament is broadcast on ESPN and the Tennis Channel. The tournament is also broadcast on BBC in the United Kingdom, and in many other countries around the world.
Attendance
The Indian Wells Tennis Tournament is one of the largest tennis events in the world, based on attendance. The tournament is held over two weeks and attracts thousands of spectators each year. In 2019, the tournament drew a record attendance of 439,764.
Venue
The Indian Wells Tennis Tournament is held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. The Tennis Garden is a state-of-the-art facility that features a 16,100-seat main stadium, eight match courts, and a practice court. The facility also features a players lounge, an on-site restaurant, and a pro shop.
Surrounding Attractions
Indian Wells, California is the perfect place to host the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament. The city is located in the Coachella Valley and is surrounded by stunning desert scenery. The area is also home to many attractions, including the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, and the Indian Canyons.
Conclusion
The Indian Wells Tennis Tournament is one of the most prestigious and popular tennis events in the world. It is held every March at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California, and attracts thousands of spectators each year. The tournament offers equal prize money to both genders, and has had many of the greatest players in the world compete over the years.