Roger Federer won a record-tying fifth Indian Wells Open crown on Sunday as he defeated Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 7-5 in an all-Swiss final at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
The Swiss endured a six-month injury lay-off at the end of 2016, but returned to the Tour at the start of the season in spectacular fashion, capturing his 18th Grand Slam championship at the Australian Open with a five-set victory over Rafael Nadal.
“For me, the dream run continues,” said Federer. “The fairytale of the comeback that I have already shown in Australia.
Federer kept reminding everyone during the ATP Masters 1000 event that he was “on the comeback” and, wanting to see how he felt, hadn’t planned beyond the first three months of year.
He might want to think bigger now.
“This was not part of the plan, to win Australia and Indian Wells. The goal was to be top 8 by after Wimbledon, so I’m there much, much faster,” he said. “I will make the plan for the remainder of the season, especially for the clay, after Miami, and then see also what the goals are because the goals are clearly changing after this dream start.”
At 35 years and seven months, Federer became the oldest champion in the desert tournament’s history, surpassing Connors, who was 31 years and five months when he won in 1981.
Federer will move up four spots to No. 6 in the ATP world rankings this week.
In an all-Russian women’s final, Elena Vesnina defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-7 (6), 7-5, 6-4.
Elena Vesnina beat No. 2 seed Angelique Kerber and No. 12 Venus Williams on her way to the biggest final of her career at age 30. She lost her first set in match and she was never advanced in the match till the 3rd set of the match. Vesnina who played her 10th final in her career added 3rd title on her name. Will move up two spots to a career-high No. 13 in the world rankings on Monday.
Kuznetsova who played three finals till now in Indian wells ended up runner-up in 2007, 2008 and 2017.
“I didn’t feel good today because she was very aggressive and I was a little bit out of my game,” said Kuznetsova, the No. 8 seed. “I couldn’t figure out a lot the wind and stuff like that.”
Elena Vesnina and Federer earned $1,175,505 each.
In men’s doubles Ram- Klaasen duo claim title with win against Melo- Kubot 6-7,6-4,10-8
Martina hings who is playing with her new partner Chan Yung-Jan duo rank 6th seeded in tournament won their first title with straight sets win over Lucie Hradecka and Katerina Siniakova.