Thiem defeats Federer for Indian Wells title

Dominic Thiem has won his first Masters 1000 title, defeating Roger Federer in Sunday's Indian Wells final 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.

The match was Thiem's first victory over Federer on a hard court.

"For me, it's unreal," Thiem said, courtesy of Richard Osborn. "I enjoyed every second of it.

"I had to get used to Roger's game. In the first set, he was playing amazing. I was struggling a little bit, but I fought my way back into the match."

Thiem secured the milestone victory after Federer sent a forehand shot into the net following a lengthy rally.

Federer has now made the Indian Wells final in three consecutive seasons, but he's lost at the decisive stage for the second straight year. He fell in three sets to Juan Martin del Potro in 2018.

"Just came up against somebody who was on the day a bit better when it really mattered," Federer said after the match, according to the Associated Press. "I have been in these positions so many times that I get over it very quickly."