TENNIS Novak Djokovic battled past Roger Federer 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 in a highly-entertaining final in Indian Wells Diego Sampaolo
Federer recently beat Djokovic in the Dubai final improving his wi-loss record in their head-to-head matches to 20-17.
Federer and Djokovic met for the second consecutive year in the final at Indian Wells one year after the Serbian World Number 1 clinched his third title in the tie-break of the third set in the Californian desert for the third time. Djokovic was bidding for his 21st Master 1000 title and his 50th career title. Federer was looking to win a record fifth Indian Wells title and his 24th Master 1000 win.
Neither Djokovic nor Federer had lost a single set in the whole tournament and the match lived up the expectations.
Djokovic earned a break point chance in the fourth game of the first set but Federer saved it holding his serve to draw level to 2-2. Federer dropped his serve for the first time in this tournament in the sixth game when Djokovic converted on his fourth break point chance as Federer was serving at 3-2. The only break of the opening set was enough for Djokovic to clinch the first set with 6-3 in 32 minutes.
Djokovic dropped just four of his 24 points on his serve.
Djokovic saved a break point in his first service game of the second set as Federer hit his backhand down the line into the net. Djokovic broke serve in the third game at 1-1 but Federer brought up two break back point chances but Djokovic saved them.
Federer clinched a fantastic point at 4-3 30-15 in the 8th game with a forehand winner down the line after a spectacular rally. The Swiss Maestro broke serve to draw level to 4-4.
Federer won eight consecutive points. He was just two points from clinching the second set as Djokovic was serving at 4-5 0-30.
Nole forced the second set to the tie-break where he came close to winning in straight sets with two mini-breaks en route to taking a 5-4 lead but he committed two costly double faults. Federer forced the match to the third sert with a serve and volley.
Djokovic went up a break early in the decider to open up a 2-0 lead but Federer converted on his fourth break back point chance after a very long third game which lasted 11 minutes to break back before drawing level to 2-2. Djokovic again broke serve for 4-2 as Federer committed a double fault.
Djokovic brought up two match points as Federer was serving at 2-5 15-40 and sealed his fourth win in the Californian desert when Federer hit a forehand wide after 2 hours and 17 minutes.
Djokovic has tied Federer as the player with most titles at Indian Wells with four wins. He becomes the 12th player to win 50 career titles.
“Novak found an extra gear in the end. It was tough. I enjoyed the match” said Federer
