What a match!

Juan Martin Del Potro beats Roger Federer in the Indian Wells final after a hyper-dramatic contest to conquer his first Master ATP1000 title.

What happened?

After winning the first set, Juan Martin Del Potro was inches to conquer the match, but he failed to convert a championship point during the second set tiebreak when he was leading 8-7 before Federer won it 10-8.

Even if he was visibly frustrated, Juan Martin stayed strong and he managed not to cave in during the third set. Eventually, Federer won a crucial break in the 9^th game that gave him the opportunity to go and serve for the championship. At this point, the world no.1 had to face a huge heartbreaker as he failed to convert himself 2 consecutive match points when he was leading 40-15 to then miss another one in the same game. The Swiss eventually lost his serve, and the affair went once more at the breaker.

Federer lost his serve entirely in the tiebreak to commit 2 doubled faults, and it was Del Potro to win the all thing 6-4 6-7 (8) 7-6 (2). The match ended after 2 hours and 42 minutes.

This match will sting. FEDERER

Roger was obviously distraught after the match to comment

“It’s a bit disappointing, but that’s how it goes. But well done to him. I lost my serve a little bit (in the tiebreak), and he was clean.”

I have to get over this loss. I feel frustrated; you let an opportunity like this go by. A game at 40-15, any game. It’s disappointing to talk about a great match like this, losing it. It will sting, and it should, but I’ll get over it.”

After this match, Federer has still a tremendous 17-1 record in 2018, Del Potro a remarkable 17-3.

Next step: Miami.