BNP Paribas Open Wins Two Player-Voted Awards for Tournament of the Year

INDIAN WELLS, CA - The BNP Paribas Open was named both the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Tournament of the Year and the WTA Premier Mandatory Tournament of the Year Wednesday, winning both awards for the third consecutive year.

The winners are selected annually by players from the Association of Tennis Professionals and the Women's Tennis Association.

A statement from the Association of Tennis Professionals cited the tournament's efforts on constructing a second, 8,000-seat stadium, as well as upgrades made to Stadium 1, as the basis behind recognizing the tournament for three consecutive years.

"As a player, I can understand why this event has been named `Tournament of the Year' by both the ATP Tour and the WTA for three straight years," Tournament Director Tommy Haas said. "Now as a member of the Indian Wells team, I have even more respect for the countless hours of planning and dedication that the entire staff contributes to make the BNP Paribas Open one of the best sporting events in the world. We remain focused on improving the event every year and hope to make the 2017 edition even more memorable."

— By City News Service / Patch file photo of Roger Federer at the BNP Paribas Open