Champion! Federer wins Indian Wells title for the 5th time

Roger Federer early on Monday beat his compatriot Stan Wawrinka 6-4 7-5 in the final of the BNP Paribas Open to win his fifth Indian Wells title.

This was the 23rd meeting between Federer, an 18-time Grand Slam winner, and Wawrinka. Federer has won 20 times and his fellow Swiss has won just 3 times.

The World number 10 claimed the first set before being broken for the first time at this year’s tournament in the first game of the second set. Wawrinka, the world number three, went 2-0 ahead before Federer won three games in a row on his way to the title.

Federer becomes the oldest champion in the tournament’s history, surpassing Jimmy Connors, who was 31 when he triumphed in 1984.

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Federer, 35, has beaten his compatriot, who was in tears at the end, 20 times.

“This has been a fairy tale week,” said Federer.

“It’s a beautiful feeling. Maybe it’s not as surprising as Australia but it’s still great to back it up by winning in America.

“It’s a dream start to the year. I have totally exceeded my expectations. It’s been an unbelievable start to the year.”

Elsewhere, Elena Vesnina beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-7 (6-8) 7-5 6-4 in the women’s final.

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