Roger Federer vs Dominic Thiem RECAP: Federer defeated in Indian Wells final classic
ROGER FEDERER VS DOMINIC THIEM LIVE - Latest updates and Indian Wells final highlights
Indian Wells: Roger Federer trains ahead of final
Roger Federer vs Dominic Thiem
- Dominic Thiem wins his first Masters 1000 title with a thrilling win over Roger Federer
- Thiem wins 3-6, 6-3, 7-5
- Roger Federer wins first set with ease, only for Thiem to respond by taking the second
- Roger Federer targets 101st ATP tour title at the age of 37
- Dominic Thiem has earned 11 singles titles in his career
- Federer and Thiem share two wins apiece against each other
- Federer had walkover in the semi-finals after Rafael Nadal withdrew injured
- Match start time delayed due to epic women's final running to three sets
DOMINIC THIEM WINS
Federer 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 Thiem
Dominic Thiem wins his first Masters 1000 title with a dramatic win over Roger Federer.
*Federer 5-6 Thiem (6-3, 3-6)
Thiem breaks for the first time this set, and it comes at a crucial time. The Austrian will now serve for the match.
*Federer 4-4 Thiem (6-3, 3-6)
Thiem sees out the game after having four chances to win it early, but Federer kept fighting back.
*Federer 5-5 Thiem (6-3, 3-6)
After an early slip-up early in the game, Thiem battled back to keep the match alive after giving Federer an opening.
*Federer 4-3 Thiem (6-3, 3-6)
Federer continues to hold his service and wins the seventh game with a beautiful ace.
*Federer 3-2 Thiem (6-3, 3-6)
No break points so far in the final set, the match could be decided on who can break the other as Federer holds yet again.
*Federer 2-1 Thiem (6-3, 3-6)
The third set is going with serve, Federer has hit a few beautiful cross-court shots to keep the upper hand in the third.
*Federer 3-6 Thiem (6-3)
Thiem has responded perfectly to the first set disappointment. He hit seven winners and allowed Federer to make 12 unforced errors on his way to winning the second set, and will have momentum going into the third.
*Federer 2-5 Thiem (6-3)
Thiem is really finding his form in the second set. After a good rally the Austrian forces Federer to hit the net.
*Federer 1-3 Thiem (6-3)
The Austrian is growing into this match, and has started the second set strongly, breaking Federer’s serve.
*Federer 1-2 Thiem (6-3)
Thiem holds his nerve to keep service despite taking the game to deuce.
*Federer 6-3 Thiem
Federer takes the first set after forcing Thiem into another error as he failed to return the Swiss' serve. The 37-year-old is barely breaking a sweat in the California sun.
Federer 4-3 Thiem
Thiem holds his nerve despite slipping up on two break points, as he breaks Federer’s serve for the first time tonight.
*Federer 4-1 Thiem
The Swiss is going through the gears now, and gets the crowd on their feet after a superb 'tweener' after a lob from Thiem.
*Federer 2-0 Thiem
Federer breaks service after four break points, as Thiem is forced into an error, attempting a shot down the line that soars past the baseline.
*Federer 1-0 Thiem
Federer slams down an ace for 15-0 but Thiem hits back with a winner of his own. But Federer keeps his nerve to hold serve after Thiem tries to twice go over the Swiss.
23:00 UPDATE: Players on court
Well the players are finally on court now and will begin their warm-ups.
22:45 UPDATE: Players coming on court soon
The players are expected soon on court. The match is slightly delayed because the women’s singles final ran over.
Amazingly, Bianca Andreescu because the first wildcard in Indian Wells history to win the title today.
She downed Angelique Kerber 6-4 3-6 6-4 in a thriller in California.
Andreescu, from Canada, is just 18 years old.
22:19 UPDATE: Good news for Thiem
Daniela Hantuchova and Greg Rusedski reckons Thiem could have the advantage over Federer because of the weather in California today.
“From Thiem’s point of view he will love the conditions,” Rusedski said.
“It’s hot the the ball will be kicking. I don’t think Thiem will be so nervous.”
Hantuchova then said: “If Thiem made a list of his ideal conditions, this would definitely be it.
“This is one of the most difficult ones to win (on the Tour) because of the difference of conditions.
“They are perfect for him but he needs to be much more aggressive to win.
“If he does not do that then Federer will dominate him.”
22:05 UPDATE: Thiem gunning for victory
Dominic Thiem is confident he can beat Federer in the Indian Wells final today.
"I was preparing here for 12 days before the tournament,” Thiem said. “That helped, of course, a lot.
“This surface and also the one in New York, for example, it suits me pretty well because it's bouncy, especially during the day.
"It's not too fast, so it's a little bit more similar to a clay court. The biggest adjustment is the moving, that I cannot slide around.
"It's always something special to play him [Federer] and also something special to compete in a Masters 1000 final. It's only my third one.
"I know it's going to be very tough, but same time, I will give everything to hopefully win my first title."
21:55 UPDATE: Federer walkover
Roger Federer did not play in the semi-finals here at Indian Wells because Rafael Nadal - his opponent - withdrew injured.
“Rafa texted me a message saying, ‘It’s not going to be possible, my knee’s not well and I can’t do it'," Federer said.
“I went back to the house and relaxed."
21:45 UPDATE: Federer vs Thiem head to head
Federer boasts a W2 L2 record against Thiem from their four previous meetings.
They first met in the Brisbane semi-finals back in 2016, when Federer secured a 6-1 6-4 win.
Thiem then beat Federer at both the Rome Masters and Stuttgart Open later that year.
They last met in 2018 at the ATP World Tour Finals, where Federer clinched a 6-2 6-3 win.
21:30 UPDATE: Welcome
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Roger Federer vs Dominic Thiem.
Federer is the favourite to win his clash at Indian Wells and secure a 101st ATP Tour title.
But Thiem has twice beaten Federer from their four previous meetings - so this promises to be a close clash in California.
And you can follow all the action LIVE right here with Express Sport!