- Novak Djokovic wins the Indian Wells title
- World No.2 defeated Roger Federer in three sets
- Italy’s Flavia Pennetta wins women’s event
- Pennetta defeated Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2, 6-1
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(CNN) — Faced by a man wielding a tennis racquet like a wand, Novak Djokovic produced some magic of his own to claim victory in the final of the Indian Well Masters event.
Djokovic, who was blown away in the opening set by Roger Federer, was forced to summon every ounce of strength and determination to deny his opponent a fifth title at the Californian venue.
Having lost the opener 6-3, Djokovic hit back to take the second 6-3 and win a third set tiebreak following an enthralling contest.
It was Djokovic’s third triumph at Indian Wells having won there in 2008 and 2011 and his first tournament victory of the year.
Federer, the man so many dared to write off, showed once again that he still possesses enough magic to trouble his younger opponents.
The 17-time grand slam champion had begun in imperious fashion, racing through the first set as Djokovic struggled for rhythm and consistency.
Federer, 32, defeated Djokovic on his way to winning the Dubai title last month and his confidence was clear to see as he wasted little time in dominating his opponent.
The contest continued to go with serve — leaving Djokovic to serve it out at 5-4.
It appeared for all the world that the he would simply go through the motions after becoming so dominant.
But Federer, defiant until the last, took the first three points to move to 0-40 on the Djokovic serve.
And the Swiss leveled at 5-5, taking the second of those break points to breathe new life into the contest before holding serve to love to move 6-5 ahead.
Djokovic held his nerve to take the final set to a tiebreak with the crowd willing on both players following a pulsating contest.
With both players having given everything, it was Djokovic who made the first significant breakthrough, moving into a 5-1 lead.
Federer fought back to trail 3-6 but Djokovic finally prevailed, taking the tiebreak 7-3.
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