The Early Days of the BNP Paribas Open at La Quinta Resort
Where Desert Tennis History Began
Long before the BNP Paribas Open became one of the most celebrated tournaments in the world, its early chapters were written at La Quinta Resort & Club. From 1981 through 1986, the tournament was played right here in the heart of the desert, where the Santa Rosa Mountains framed the courts and created an unforgettable setting for world-class competition. What began as an exciting stop on the professional tour quickly grew into a beloved event for both players and fans.
Legends Under the Desert Sun
During those formative years, the resort welcomed some of the biggest names in tennis. Icons like Jimmy Connors, Martina Navratilova, and Boris Becker stepped onto the courts, delivering thrilling matches that helped elevate the tournament’s reputation. For spectators, it was a rare opportunity to watch tennis legends compete up close in a relaxed desert atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the tour.
A Tournament on the Rise
As excitement around the event continued to build, the tournament needed a venue capable of hosting larger crowds and an expanding global audience. In 1987, the event moved just down the road to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, where it would evolve into one of the most prestigious and highly attended tournaments outside of the Grand Slams.
The Resort’s Enduring Connection to the Game
Although the tournament found a new home, La Quinta Resort’s connection to professional tennis never faded. The resort remains a favorite destination for players, coaches, and fans visiting the Coachella Valley during the BNP Paribas Open. With its tranquil setting, exceptional courts, and storied past, it continues to be a place where the tennis community gathers each spring.
A Legacy That Still Serves Today
Today, guests strolling through the resort can reflect on a time when the sport’s greatest players competed on these very grounds. Those early tournaments helped introduce the world to desert tennis and left a lasting mark on the region’s sporting culture. La Quinta Resort remains proud to be part of the tournament’s origin story—and to continue welcoming tennis lovers from around the globe.