Indian Wells (USA), .- The Austrian Dominic Thiem was awarded the highest title of his career today by overcoming by 3-6, 6-3 and 7-5, in two hours and three minutes, the Swiss Roger Federer in the final of Indian Wells, first Masters 1000 of the season.
It is the first Masters 1000 title for Thiem, who played his first final in Indian Wells.
Federer, who congratulated his rival with the best of his smiles and an affectionate gesture, sought to win his sixth crown – and a record number – in the Californian desert after the victories of 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012 and 2017.
The record between the two players is now 3-2 in favor of Thiem, although Federer had imposed himself in the two previous times played on hard surface. Before the match today, Thiem had never won a set to the Swiss in cement.
It was a magnificent game, with great gust of play for both and lavish points, although it was the former world number one who began sweeping 3-0 against a doubtful opponent in the first moments.
Federer took the first set in 36 minutes despite the efforts of the 25-year-old tennis player, who broke his rival in the seventh game (4-3), but it was not enough to stop the game torrent of the veteran star.
It seemed that Basel was relatively easily heading towards his 101st title, but Thiem resurfaced and scored the fourth game of the second set (3-1), playing much more loose and uninhibited from the baseline with his big setback .
The reaction of the Austrian surprised the spectators, who encouraged Federer even more by asking for his reaction. However, Thiem had raised several points his level of play and displayed a huge confidence, with superlative tennis moments.
With the second set in the draw and the game in tables, both players offered the best version of themselves, with tremendous confidence in their serve.
The equality stayed until practically the last moment, when Thiem did not let pass the first point of “break” of the set with 5-5. There he sealed the victory, since he did not dare for a second with his serve to score the win. (EFE)
