History
See the historical timeline of the BNP Paribas Open from 1976 to today.
1980
While the four semi-finalists were Jimmy Connors, Brian Teacher, Peter Fleming and Gene Mayer, no final was held due to rain.
1979
The tournament moved to Rancho Mirage and became known as the Congoleum Classic. Roscoe Tanner defended his title against Brian Gottfried and won the championship in straight sets: 6-4, 6-2.
1978
Roscoe Tanner defeated Raúl Ramírez in straight sets: 6-1, 7-6 to capture his second title of the weekend. Tanner won the doubles title with partner Raymond Moore.
1977
Brian Gottfried rallied from behind to upset World No. 1 Guillermo Vilas in three sets: 2-6, 6-1, 6-3.
1976
The American Airlines Tennis Games found a new home in the Coachella Valley at Mission Hills Country Club in Palm Springs, CA. This year’s tournament featured 12 future Tennis Hall of Famers including Arthur Ashe, Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg and Cliff Drysdale. In a field of legends, it was Jimmy Connors who ultimately beat Roscoe Tanner to win the championship in straight sets: 6-4, 6-4.
