Haas Named Indian Wells Tournament Director

Tommy Haas has been named Tournament Director of the BNP Paribas Open, the largest WTA and ATP World Tour combined two-week event in the world, it was announced today by BNP Paribas Open Chief Operating Officer Steve Birdwell. Haas’ appointment as Tournament Director is pending approval by the ATP and WTA Boards.

A former World No. 2, Haas has won 15 ATP World Tour titles in his career, advanced to multiple Grand Slam semi-finals, including the Australian Open (1999, 2002, 2007) and Wimbledon (2009), and earned a silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics. The German posted a 25-13 record at Indian Wells, reaching back-to-back quarter-finals in 2007 and 2008.

“I’m thrilled to join the BNP Paribas Open as its new Tournament Director and look forward to working with one of the finest sporting events in the world,” said Haas. “There is a reason that the BNP Paribas Open has been voted Tournament of the Year by both tours for consecutive years, as the tournament and venue continue to provide a world-class experience for players, fans and sponsors. I look forward to joining the experienced Indian Wells staff, building upon the foundation they have created, and working to take the event to even greater heights.”

“As the BNP Paribas Open continues to grow and evolve in today’s tennis landscape, we see a clear need for a Tournament Director who will engage with players, sponsors and fans in a deep and meaningful way, and we believe that Tommy is well-positioned to achieve these goals,” Birdwell said. “Tommy is well-regarded by his peers on both tours and we believe that adding him to our existing veteran team will allow the tournament to flourish in the years to come.”

Novak Djokovic approved of the move after winning his semi-final at Roland Garros. “It’s a perfect solution for the Indian Wells tournament, considering the great relationship Tommy has with [tournament owner] Larry Ellison. Tommy has been around so many years in tennis,” Djokovic said. “I’m sure he’s very eager to contribute to the growth of that tournament that is already setting a very high standard in the integrity of ATP events.”