Roger Federer failed to clinch a record sixth Indian Wells title, after being beaten by Dominic Thiem in the finals. Thiem, ranked eighth in the world, registered a 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over the Swiss maestro. The Austrian had fallen in two prior Masters final, both in Madrid but he was resolute this time as he rallied for a third career win over Federer in five meetings. He claimed his first ATP Masters 1000 crown after two hours and two minutes long match.
Meanwhile, Federer was denied the title at Indian Wells for the second consecutive year. A crucial break was earned in the 11th game of the final set by Thiem, and the match was sealed after Federer’s backhand found the net. Thiem is the first Austrian to win the Masters 1000 title since Thomas Muster in Miami in 1997. Thiem was on the receiving end at the start of the match, saving three break points before succumbing on a fourth in the second game as Federer raced to a 3-0 lead. Federer had won 20 straight finals coming into the contest when claiming the opening set. However, a superb display from Thiem led the 25 year old to clinch the title at the final.
