Djokovic beats Federer

Novak Djokovic kisses the trophy after defeating Roger Federer in the final at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic came into Indian Wells for the first time in four years without a title.

He left with a $1 million check and his first trophy of the year, beating Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3) on Sunday to win the BNP Paribas Open for the third time.

“Not winning a title and coming here, there were certain doubts,” Djokovic said. 

“I had ups and downs in my concentration in opening rounds, but I managed to stay mentally strong and have that self-belief. That’s something that definitely makes this title very special to me.” 

After Federer breezed to the first set in 31 minutes, Djokovic earned the lone break of the second set to go up 5-3 after Federer pulled a forehand wide.

“I know he always comes out confident, aggressive,” Djokovic said. “He doesn’t give you the victory; you have to earn it.”

Djokovic got the early break in the third, again on one of Federer’s forehand errors, to lead 2-1. His 112-mph (180 kph) ace gave him a 4-2 lead, and he extended it to 5-3 with a backhand winner down the line.

But Federer then served a love-game to make it 5-4 and broke Djokovic to tie the set, 5-all.

“I was able to just keep the pressure on Novak and show him that if he slips up, I will be there and I will make it a very competitive match in the end for him,” Federer said.

Federer still leads the series 17-16, having beaten Djokovic in three sets in the semifinals at Dubai two weeks ago.

 Djokovic will remain No. 2 in the world, while Federer will rise three spots to No. 5 on Monday in the ATP Tour rankings.