Djokovic Hoists The Indian Wells Trophy

Djokovic beats Nadal to claim his third title of the year (Foto: eurosport.com)

Novak Djokovic has claimed his second trophy of the year after overcoming the world champion Rafa Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the Indian Wells final. This is Serbian’s second trophy in California after the one won back in 2008. The Wells success has also propelled him second within the ATP rankings.

The 23-year-old champion needed two hours and a half to win his 18^th win out of 18 matches this year. Djokovic managed to come from one set to down to stun the Spaniard who had followed some great days at the Indian Wells. The opener found the 2009 champion Nadal breaking the Serb twice in the fifth and seventh game. The Spaniard led 3-2 and 4-3 and won his service to claim the first set to four. Djokovic, too, broke Nadal in the sixth game, but that wouldn’t be enough for building a first set lead.

Unfortunately for the Spaniard, the second set found the Serb building a comfortable lead. Djokovic grabbed his second break of the meeting in the same sixth game of the second set, going 4-2 at one point. Both player would then win another break, each. Nadal made it 3-4 only to concede the next service for 3-5. In the end, Djokovic served for 1-1, claiming the set to three and leveling the Spaniard.

As for the third set, it brought an unstoppable Serbian who was building another comfortable advantage. Djokovic went 4-0 and 5-1 not to allow Nadal get any better. The end of the game found the Spaniard capitulating and the 2001 Australian Open champion hoisting his third trophy of the season after the Aussie and Dubai ones.

Said Djokovic: “I am playing with a lot of confidence. I’m feeling the ball well on the court.  I’m very dedicated.  I have a big will to win each match I’m playing on, so it will not stop here, definitely.  I want to keep on going and keep on playing good tennis.  Hopefully I can recover and get ready for Miami.” The Serb is to pocket $611,000 and 1000 ATP points, while Nadal leaves California with a $298,200 check and 600 points. He remains though the world No. 1 and leads the head to head confrontation 16-8 with the Serbian.

Djokovic’s road to the final included big wins over second favorite Roger Federer whom he ousted in three sets, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 in the semi final, Richard Gasquet whom the Serb defeated in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4 and also over compatriot Viktor Troicki whom Djokovic thwarted 6-0, 6-1 in the fourth round.

On the other side, Nadal had reached the final following crucial victories over the US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro whom the Spanish player ousted in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, and Ivo Karlovic, Gilles Simon third round killer, against whom Nadal had some hard times but whom he edged 5-7, 6-1, 7-6.

The Indian Wells Masters is followed by the Miami Masters which starts on March 22.