Djokovic edges Federer at Indian Wells to win 50th title

[Prince Bálor]

Novak Djokovic overcame mid-match nerves to beat Roger Federer in the BNP Paribas Open final and clinch his 50th ATP World Tour title on Sunday.

The Serbian world No. 1 claimed a 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2 victory at Indian Wells, but only after faltering late in the second set.

Djokovic's win meant he passed coach Boris Becker (49) for titles won, while he joined Federer with a record four Indian Wells crowns.

He had been up a set and a break, and ahead in the tie-break, before his serve and nerves cost him to see Federer force a decider. But Djokovic responded in the third on his way to claiming victory in two hours, 17 minutes.

Both players missed early chances before Djokovic broke for 4-2, an athletic cross-court backhand pass proving unreturnable. Djokovic broke for a 2-1 lead in the second set when Federer tamely sent a forehand into the middle part of the net.

Chances went begging for Federer in the fourth game as Djokovic continued to deny him, looking set for a straight-sets win before encountering problems.

Federer finally took an opportunity in the eighth game, albeit with some help, as Djokovic hit a double fault and a cross-court forehand into the net to see the set back to 4-4. The momentum had swung in Federer's favor, but Djokovic got into a tie-break — only to produce three double faults.

Whatever nerves had developed for Djokovic were eased early in the third set as he broke for 2-0 when Federer picked up a tough half-volley but sent it wide. Another Djokovic double fault was costly as Federer broke back for 2-2. Facing a break point at 2-3, Federer produced a double fault of his own to fall behind once more.

That would prove decisive, and Djokovic broke again to win the title when Federer pulled a forehand wide in the eighth game.

Source: http://www.sportingnews.com/sport/s...r-federer-bnp-paribas-open-final-indian-wells

Yes! Awesome! :yay:

 

[Vince McDonald]

Djokovic is honestly a god. So many people doubted him, but he showed everyone that he can really play, and now he is destroying anything and anyone that comes near him