Different Strokes

Breaking and creating records have always been a part of Roger Federer’s career but Sunday evening was special in its own ways when he created a record of winning Indian Wells ATP Tournament, for the fourth time. Roger put it across the surprise finalist John Isner 7-6, 6-3 in a match which lasted one hour and twenty one minutes. The Swiss, world no.3 clinched the title when the 6’9” American, who upset world number one Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals and will rise to a career-high 10th in the rankings on Monday, dumped a forehand into the net.

"This tournament victory couldn't come at a better time in my career," Federer, who has triumphed six times in his last eight ATP World Tour events, told reporters while sitting beside the glittering crystal trophy. "It's a big tournament, the first Masters 1000 of the season. It's been a long time since I have been this successful here, even though I have had some really good matches here in the past." Federer exclaimed in his own ways.

Since his semi-final loss to Djokovic at last year's U.S. Open, the 16-times grand slam champion has been arguably the hottest player on the men's circuit, winning 39 of his 41 matches.

He took a sweet revenge of his Davis Cup loss, played last month, to the towering American.

Isner was all praise for his opponent saying, “If I have any shot to beat him, I'm gonna have to play my best and that wasn't the case today," Isner said after competing in his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final. "He was too strong."I was taking care of my serve, for the most part, up until the end. I don't think I lost the match because I didn't serve as well. He was on top of me, and his forehand was way too good today.”

Victoria Azarenka continued her undefeated run to lift Indian Wells ATP tournament, defeating Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-3. Azarenka stretched her winning streak to 23 matches in 2012. Only Martina Hingis has a better record for most number of consecutive wins at 37 matches in 1997.

When USD 1 million was at stake, it needed something special from the 22 year old Belarusian to defeat the ex World No.1. The match lasted 86 minutes. The difference was in the first serve percentages and unforced errors. It was 71% to 46% in favour of the World No.1. “I never dreamed about that. It is amazing.” she said after the match. 

Meanwhile Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond of the US defeated Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina(Russia) 6-2, 6-3 to win the Women’s doubles title at Indian Wells. This was their second straight loss to the American pair after last month’s Dubai Open. The Indo-Russian pair’s service was broken three times during the match.