Federer defeats Wawrinka for historic Indian Wells title

Updated: 2017-03-20 09:35

(Xinhua)

Roger Federer celebrates at match point as he defeated Stan Wawrinka 7-6, 6-4 in the men's final in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, US on March 19, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

LOS ANGELES - Australian Open champion Roger Federer beat Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 7-5 to win the BNP Paribas Open - his fifth Indian Wells triumph on Sunday.

World number 10 Federer became the oldest champion in tournament history, surpassing Jimmy Connors, 31, who captured the title in 1984.

"It's been just a fairytale week once again," said Federer. "I'm still on the comeback. I hope my body is going to allow me to keep on playing. I was very sad when I couldn't come here last year. Just being here is a beautiful feeling. It's one of my favorite tournaments. I came here for the first time 17 years ago. So to be here again as the champion is an amazing feeling."

Federer claimed the first set before being broken for the first time at this year's tournament in the first game of the second set.

World number three Wawrinka broke in first game of second set and went 2-0 ahead before Federer won three games in a row on his way to the title.

Victory in Indian Wells marks Federer's 90th tour-level crown and his 25th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title. At 35 years old, he is the oldest Masters 1000 champion since a 34-year-old Andre Agassi won the 2004 Cincinnati title.

The all-Swiss final on Sunday was the first all-countrymen final in Indian Wells since 2001 when Andre Agassi defeated Pete Sampras.