By Erik Gudris | Sunday, March 16, 2014

 

Novak Djokovic summoned his best tennis despite being down a set to defeat Roger Federer and claim his third BNP Paribas Open title.

Photo Credit: AP

Novak Djokovic saved the best for last.

The No. 2 seed had to as he faced an uphill battle in the BNP Paribas Open final against an in-form Roger Federer. But in the end, Djokovic walked away with his third Indian Wells title. Both men entered the final round having progressed through the ATP 1000 event with very different results.

Federer, on an 11 match win streak, didn't drop a set all tournament. Djokovic meanwhile posted ragged winning results including a tough three setter versus American John Isner in the semifinals.

On top of that, Djokovic sought his first title of the new season. Federer, having beaten Djokovic earlier in the year during his title run in Dubai, aimed for a return to the ATP top four with a winning result.

Early on, Federer quickly asserted himself with razor sharp deliveries. Attacking the net, Federer took hold of an early break lead and soon surged ahead 3-0. Though Djokovic managed to squeeze in a few winners of his own, it wasn't enough to dent Federer's momentum.

Soon enough, Federer, thanks to 12 winners overall, held serve at love to close out the opening set 6-3.

Federer continued his march in the early stages of the second set. At 1-all, Federer won a testing 24-shot rally that ended when Djokovic netted a backhand. With Djokovic's frustration growing, it appeared Federer might just close things out in two sets. But that didn't happen as Djokovic began to find his range as Federer's hot streak cooled off.

Up 4-3 on serve, Djokovic rifled a deep return to set up a winning forehand. That produced the first break point chances for Djokovic in the match. An errant forehand from Federer allowed Djokovic to claim the lead at 5-3. Though falling behind in his next service game, Djokovic mustered enough fine play to finish off the set 6-3.

With Federer's level dropping, Djokovic made his move in the final set. Federer fought to save his service game at 1-all, but Djokovic again produced a deep return on break point to convert for 2-1. Though Federer would resume moving forward to find ways to win up at net, Djokovic kept on holding serve. That would include finishing a tough rally in the seventh game with a down the line backhand winner to go up 5-3.



Soon, Djokovic would serve for the title at 5-4. But, as he had in previous matches during the event, Djokovic would falter. Falling behind 15-40, Djokovic sent a forehand wide to let Federer back in for 5-all.

Both men would hold serve at love to force a final set tiebreak. But Federer's surge would end there as he sent a backhand long to give Djokovic an early mini-break. Djokovic would not relinquish his advantage as again his better returning provided him the edge. Federer would save one match point with an ace. But it wasn't enough to stop Djokovic who would close out the match after Federer netted a final backhand.

With that, Djokovic celebrated the 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(3) victory that gave him his third Indian Wells title.

This is now Djokovic's first title of the 2014 season and his 17th ATP Masters title that ties him all-time with Andre Agassi at third place on the leaders list.