Novak Djokovic won his third career title at Indian Wells on Sunday, defeating Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3) in the final of the BNP Paribas Open. It was the first tournament win of the season for the World’s #2 ranked player, and delivered over $1 million in prize money to the Joker.
“Not winning a title and coming here, there were certain doubts,” Djokovic said after the match. “I had ups and downs in my concentration in opening rounds, but I managed to stay mentally strong and have that self-belief. That’s something that definitely makes this title very special to me.”
The win was revenge for Djokovic who lost to Federer in the finals at Dubai just three weeks ago. Federer still holds a slight 17-16 edge in all-time matchups between the two players. With the win Djokovic will remain at number two in the world rankings, but the continuation of Federer’s solid start has him back up to number five in the world.
Federer was trying to win a record fifth title in the Southern California desert, and at 32 years of age, he would have been the oldest Masters 1000 winner since 34-year-old Andre Agassi won at Cincinnati ten years ago.
However, after Federer won the first set, Djokovic rallied, breaking Federer early in both the second and third sets to take control of the match. Federer would rally forcing a tournament deciding tiebreaker in the third set, but it was not enough as Djokovic took an early 5-1 lead in the tiebreak and never looked back.
On the women’s side Italian veteran Flavia Pennetta easily defeated an injured Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2, 6-1 for the biggest tournament win over her career.
“After so many years, so much work and everything, this is the moment I always waited for,” she said. “And it’s coming when you don’t expect. It was something I was waiting since long time, and finally I have a good trophy in my hands.”
The 32-year-old became the oldest winner of the tournament since 34-year-old Martina Navratilova won in 1991. She is expected to rise from 21 in the world rankings to 12 with the win.
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