IWTG does not disclose the terms of the contract, but the title sponsors usually cover the prize money, and sometimes more, which seems to be the case here. The total prize money for 2022 is slightly higher than that of 2021, thanks to a contribution from the ATP: $17,748,393. Michel remains the contact person for BNP Paribas.

“Peggy is totally committed to the tournament,” said Jean-Yves Fillion, President and CEO of BNP North America, “but also to the sponsors and clients she manages. It is this dedication and drive that has driven our successful partnership.

She and Fillion are two alike – kind, aware, committed.

This month again, Michel will accompany Fillion in the tennis garden. He greets the ball boys, the officials, the players’ transport drivers. Last year, Michel reported: “He sat there and talked to everyone [volunteer] who took care of the credentials and thanked them for all their time and effort, told them he knew how difficult 2021 was.

You think? Postponed in October due to the pandemic, the tournament was canceled by COVID in 2020, the year after Michel sold all 44 suites for the first time. She called every sponsor and suite holder and offered a credit or refund. Most earned credits and all returned in 2021, although several of the sport’s biggest stars were absent and attendance dropped by around half. Yet, unlike many other tournaments, the prize money remained at 2019 levels and Michel sold three-quarters of the suites.

As always, this year Michel and Fillion will be promoting sports and education in the Coachella Valley in a way most people won’t notice. As always, Michel will seek sponsors and suite holders with the charm and integrity that has described his 37 years of work.

“Yes, we are the fifth largest [tournament]she said, “but we’re… not in a major market, we’re in Indian Wells, California. It is one of the most beautiful places to organize an event… but [it] will always be very difficult.

• READ NEXT: Chevron Championship: 8 Highlights From The Original LPGA Dinah Shore Event.