Tennis Atlantic

Juan Martin Del Potro Dethrones Roger Federer for 2018 Indian Wells Title
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

Roger Federer made it to 17-0 but the 18th match of his 2018 season saw Juan Martin Del Potro topple him 6-4 6-7 7-6 to claim the title at the Indian Wells Masters tournament for 2018. Del Potro saved three match points all in the third set when down a break 5-4, and staved off a Federer comeback despite not being able to close out the match in straight sets. It was quite a battle, and Federer was left frustrated, but Del Potro’s power had the upper hand in the end. Del Potro now has 2 titles this season and boasts a 17-3 record in 2018. Federer is 17-1.

Del Potro’s path to the final featured wins against Alex De Minaur, David Ferrer, Leonardo Mayer, Philipp Kohlschreiber, and Milos Raonic, with the round of 16 and quarterfinal victories coming in three sets. Federer dominated Federico Delbonis, Filip Krajinovic, Jeremy Chardy, and Hyeon Chung before facing a challenging test in the semis against Borna Coric. Federer fought off a back strain, and Coric’s strong start to come out ahead in the end. Coric, a young gun, just couldn’t step up with the match on the line.

John Isner/Jack Sock defeated the Bryan Brothers in an All-American doubles final.