ROGER FEDERER NEWS
March 19, 2017 -- Indian Wells, California
Adding another title to his list of accomplishments this year, Roger was crowned the 2017 BNP Paribas Open Champion today. Having skipped the tournament in 2016 due to an injury, Roger looked fresh and ready for battle today as he faced off against Swiss compatriot, Stan Wawrinka. Executing his serves and driving backhands through the court for winners in the desert heat, Roger came away with a 6-4, 7-5 victory. He faced just one break point throughout the tournament.
"For me, the dream run continues," he said. "The fairytale of the comeback that I have already shown in Australia."
"I'm not as surprised as I was in Australia, but still this comes as a big, big surprise to me, nevertheless, to win here again and beating the players that I did and the way I did. I mean, couldn't be more happy.
This win puts Roger at 5 Indian Wells titles and it marks his 90th tour-level crown as well as his 25th ATP World Tour Masters 1000. This win as a 35-year old also makes Roger the oldest Masters 1000 Champion (previously held by Andre Agassi after winning the 2004 Cincinnati title in 2004).
Up next for our Swiss star is the Miami Open. Play begins on March 22, 2017.
March 18, 2017 -- Indian Wells, California
Roger solidified his spot in the Finals of the BNP Paribas Open today after taking out the American, Jack Sock. He will face Swiss rival, Stan Wawrinka, in the finals as he looks to earn his 5th title here in the California desert.
Taking the court in the warm desert conditions on Saturday afternoon, Roger excelled quickly against the young American. After a bathroom break, Sock made things interesting in the 2nd set but Roger prevailed in the 2nd set tiebreak and marched his way into the finals without having lost serve during this tournament. He came out victorious 6-1, 7-6 (4).
"I think I've just been very focused," said Federer. "That's something that usually goes away when don't play for a while. But I guess I have a lot of confidence from Australia, still."
This will be Roger's 7th final in Indian Wells. Roger faces Swiss compatriot, Stan Wawrinka, tomorrow in the finals. This will be the first time two players from the same nation will face-off in the finals of the BNP Paribas Open. Roger holds a 19-3 head-to-head lead and has won their past three meetings, including a 5 set victory in this year's Australian Open. The match is set to begin at 1pm PST on Sunday, March, 19th.
March 17, 2017 -- Indian Wells, California
Roger advanced into the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open after Australian, Nick Kyrgios, withdrew due to illness.
As many fans were anxiously awaiting the matchup between the two players, Kyrgios tweeted an apology for falling ill acknowledging he was in no state to take on the Swiss champion.
Always a class act, Roger still came out to Stadium 1 and spoke to his fans after news of the walkover, "I was actually really looking forward to the match. That's just how tennis goes. It's a pity, but I'm really happy with my time in Indian Wells and hopefully I'm going to play a good match tomorrow."
He will face American Jack Sock in the semifinals tomorrow afternoon. Sock defeated Kei Nishikori 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 in the Quarterfinals.
March 15, 2017 -- Indian Wells, California
Roger needed just 68 minutes to dispose of long time rival today, Rafael Nadal, in the round of 16 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.
Facing just one break point on his serve, the Swiss star played bold tennis and was rewarded with a 6-2, 6-3 victory as the sun set in the California desert. Roger has now beaten Rafa in their past 3 match ups. A four-time Indian Wells Champion, Roger was just too good today and came out on top with 26 winners against the Spanish player.
Roger will face Nick Kyrgios, who defeated Novak Djokovic today, in the Quarterfinals.
March 14, 2017 -- Indian Wells, California
Long hot days have set the stage at the BNP Paribas Open as Roger took to the courts in his 3rd round match in Indian Wells.
Playing steady and solid, he defeated American Stevie Johnson 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4) to set up his 36th meeting against Rafael Nadal.
In what will be a rematch of the 2017 Australian Open finals, the two will face each other in the Round of 16 Wednesday, March 15th not before 5pm PST. The last time these two rivals met this early in a draw goes back to 2004 in the Miami Masters.
"I think he's made me a better player," Roger said during the Australian Open earlier this year. "Because the way his game stacks up with me. It's a tricky one. I've said that openly. It remains for me the ultimate challenge to play against him."