When he lost his serve late in the third set and took the lead 6-5, Dominic Thiem had broken his opponent Roger Federer. With another game won the 25-year-old secured in the US, the first Masters title of his career. The Austrian won the final in California Indian Wells 3: 6, 6: 3, 7: 5.
"I did not do very well in the break before the break and he took advantage of that," said Federer after the match-breaking break. "What a week for Dominic, wonderfully played at the very end and over the entire week - you deserve it."
That feeling of winning your first # ATPMasters1000 title!
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Federer had won the first three games of the game and also brought the first set. Thiem did not let go of the rest and came in the second set better in the game, which he could decide for themselves. The 25-year-old showed his qualities at the baseline, forced Federer to extensive ball changes and brought him with his serves repeatedly from the rhythm.
For Thiem, the success means not only the first title on the Masters Tour, but also a jump in the world rankings: he will climb to fourth place, higher than ever in his career.
AFP
Dominic Thiem (l.) With Roger Federer
His opponent Federer had recently won the 100th title in his career in Dubai and could have set up another record with the sixth victory in Indian Wells. "It was a great week for me, even if it did not work today," said the 37-year-old. "There is no reason to be depressed and you can look forward to Miami even more."
The Miami Open, the second Masters tournament of the year, is already starting today. Instead of on Key Biscane, the tournament will take place at the football stadium in Miami starting this year. Federer will compete there as well as Thiem, who could win the "Sunshine Double" with a victory in Miami.