World number two Novak Djokovic won his third BNP Paribas Open title on Sunday after the Serbian defeated four-time champion Roger Federer in a dramatic three set victory 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Djokovic ended Federer’s 11-match win streak which started at the Dubai Tennis Championships two weeks ago.
This is Djokovic’s 42nd career title and 17th ATP Masters 1000 crown. He’s now tied in third place with the most Masters 1000 titles with Andre Agassi. He’s also narrowed the head to head series with Federer at 16-17.
“As I said before the match today, very few points will decide a winner, and that’s what happened,” said Djokovic. “Roger is playing in a very high level…. He just played better than he did in the last 13, 14 months. I needed to really be in the top of my game and very concentrated the last moment in order to win. That’s what I’ve done. Very proud of my achievements during this tournament.”
Djokovic goes home with $1 million and 1,000 ranking points. Federer gets $500,000 and 600 ranking points. He’s now guaranteed a return to the world’s top five.
