Dominic Thiem claimed his first ATP Masters 1000 title as he defeated Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 on Sunday.
The Austrian registered his third career win over Roger Federer, denying the former world number one his record sixth Indian Wells title. Thiem has now risen to fourth in the world ranking, pushing Federer down to fifth.
Thiem said that considering he had been in “bad form in all categories”, his performance at Indian Wells was unreal. With the win, he became the first Austrian to win a Masters 1000 title since Thomas Muster in 1997.
The 25-year-old wrapped up the match in a little over two hours after wresting back the game, having lost the first set. Federer sealed the first set with a service winner after Thiem handed the set to the Swiss on the back of break points.
However, Thiem saved break points for a 2-1 lead in the second set as Federer couldn't put a first serve in. After sealing the second set, Thiem went on to ear a crucial break in the 11th game of the last set converting a break point to a forehand winner.
The Indian Wells Masters is Thiem's 12th career title. He noted that when it comes to playing Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, you have to play “double good” to win. The Austrian also said that it was a privilege to play against the Swiss superstar.
Federer said that he wasn't too disappointed with the defeat. “I feel like he had to come up with the goods. I just came up against somebody who was on the day a bit better when it really mattered.”
(With inputs from agencies)
