The opposition in the final was the Belarusian Viktoryja Azaranka, and they both offered a protracted match where both refused to drop a ball to the opponent.

The first three games took 20 minutes to get through, as both players fed baseline strokes after baseline strokes against each other.

But after 7-6 (5), 2-6, 7-6 (2) and three hours and four minutes, Paula Badosa was the winner in Indian Wells.

- It was a tough match and I think it was a pretty good match as well, because she played at a fantastic level.

I had to rise in each set.

And in the third, I played my best, which was the only chance I would win, says Badosa, who is the first Spanish woman to win in Indian Wells.

The victory means that she is expected to climb to a thirteenth place in the world rankings.

A year ago, she was in 87th place.

British history

On the ATP side, Cameron Norrie succeeded in something that neither Andy Murray, Tim Henman and Greg Rusedki managed.

He is the first Briton to win a final in Indian Wells of any kind, according to the organizer.

Norrie took his 47th victory of the season when he defeated Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.

- It means so much.

I can not even put it into words, says Norrie according to the competition's site.

The victory will mean that Cameron Norrie ends up in 16th place in the world rankings.

He has played six finals this year, a number only beaten by world setter Novak Djokovic.

- I have really enjoyed my tennis, being out on the court and competing on big occasions.

I'm so happy with how I handled the event.

I'm much better this year.

I have lost many finals, so it is nice to be able to make it today, he says.

MORE TENNIS: Here Murray tricks the opponent - with a new forearm serve (October 12, 2021)

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Here Murray tricks the opponent - with a new forearm serve