Roger Federer beats Isner to win Indian Wells ATP
ROGER FEDERER outplayed surprise finalist John Isner 7-6 6-3 to become the first player to win the Indian Wells ATP tournament four times.
World No3 Federer blunted the powerful serving of Isner with a controlled display, edging the American 9-7 in the first set tiebreak, then breaking him twice in the second set to win in one hour and 21 minutes.
Federer clinched the title when Isner dumped a forehand into the net.
Federer, who had won three consecutive titles at Indian Wells from 2004-06, raised both arms skywards in celebration as the capacity crowd at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden erupted in applause.
"It has been a tough tournament for all of the players with a lot of sickness," he said, referring to the viral infection that forced eight withdrawals in the first week. "I couldn't be happier."