Djokovic Beats Federer To Claim Indian Wells Title

Novak Djokovic won his first ATP Tour title of 2014 on Sunday, overcoming Roger Federer 3-6 6-3 7-6 in a hard-fought encounter at Indian Wells.

The Serb recovered after a careless first set, winning the second before achieving his third Indian Wells title after battling through a deciding tie-break in the final set.

Djokovic was understandably pleased to claim the title and gain revenge for last months loss to Federer in Dubai, telling the BBC, "It was a proud achievement. It was not just winning the trophy but the way I came back from a set down in a couple of matches. That gives me a lot of confidence."

The match did not start well though for Djokovic as he looked sluggish in the opening set. A recently resurgent Roger Federer fully capitalized, needing just one break point to take the lead before eventually claiming the first set 6-3.

However, as the match progressed Djokovic began to assert himself, a strong defensive performance keeping Federer at bay. Much the same as the first set it was a single break that separated the pair, Djokobic this time taking the lead to win the second set 6-3.

The third set saw the two former champions burst into life, trading blow after blow as each sought to take the upper hand. It was Djokovic who claimed the advantage, breaking mid-way through the set to find himself serving for the championship at 5-4.

Despite getting every first serve in Federer was ruthless, a number of huge  forehands ensuring the match continued as he broke back, forcing a deciding tie-break to separate the pair.

Once there however, the Swiss seemed to run out of steam, quickly finding himself 3-0 down and with a mountain to climb against the gritty Serb. Federer saved one match point with a powerful ace but could not stop Djokovic at the second attempt, a limp backhand into the net ensuring his defeat.

Both players will now turn their attention to the second Masters tournament of the year, Miami, which begins this week as Britain's Andy Murray seeks to defend his crown.

Published on SEaT Capital.