Dominic Thiem edged error-prone Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to win the 2019 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, denying Federer a record sixth title in the desert while claiming the biggest title of his career. The Austrian also became the fifth post-90 champion.
“It just feels unreal what happened. He’s such a legend.” Thiem said.
“It feels just unreal what happened in this 10 days during the tournament. He’s such a legend.” Thiem said.
“I came from a really bad form in all categories, and now I’m the champion of Indian Wells. It feels not real at all. It was a great week, and I think also a very good final today. Just amazing that I got here, my first really big title.” Thiem added.
Federer and Thiem have had four fights before, each wins two equals, Federer’s two wins are hard, including last year’s finals, Tim’s two wins are in 2016 red clay and grass court.
Federer’s promotion journey was not lost, and Rafael Nadal’s retired ceremony was received in the semi-final. Thiem defeated Milos Raonic in three sets in the semi-final and scored the Masters final for the first time.
On the first set, Federer seized the opportunity at the fourth break point and started 3-0. Thiem did not give up, he was even broken after the 1-4, and the score was close. However, Federer also withstood the pressure – he broke again in the eighth game, and then successfully won the serve win, to 6-3 first.
Dominic Thiem will take home $1,354,010 from Indian Wells tournament. (Source:www.perthnow.com)
In the second set, Thiem resolved two break points in the third game, and then he managed to break the break and lead 3-1. In the next few rounds, both sides defended each other, and Thiem’s serve did not appear flawed, eventually regaining a set with 6-3.
The two sides of the deciding game competed for the heat, and the first six innings were all guaranteed, and the battle was 3-3. In the 8th game, Thiem served in a crisis, but he still resolved the break point. In the crucial 11th game, he scored a break and he won 7-5 after successfully winning the serve.
“Just came up against somebody who was on the day a bit better when it really mattered. I have been in these positions so many times that I get over it very quickly.” Federer said.
