BNP Paribas Open—Indian Wells, California
No. 9 seed Roger Federer and No. 14th seed Elena Vesnina won respective BNP Paribas Open titles in Indian Wells, California on Sunday.
First up, Vesnina captured the biggest title of her career by fending off two-time Major winner Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-7(6), 7-5, 6-4 in three hours and two minutes. Overcoming the heartbreak of losing a tight first set which lasted 70 minutes, Vesnina continued her determined play from the back of the court to force a third set and claim her second victory in three attempts against her fellow Russian. Withstanding nine aces from Kuznetsova, Vesnina broke serve on nine occasions and won 64 percent of her first serve points.
For her efforts, Vesnina took home $1,175,505 in prize money and 1000 WTA points.
Next on Stadium 1, Federer displayed another memorable effort to claim his fifth title in Palm Springs after dismissing good friend Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 7-5. In a match that showcased Federer’s improved backhand, the Swiss Star broke serve on three occasions and won and impressive 67 percent of his second serve points. Wawrinka by contrast only won 39 percent of his second serve points.
Taking home his 90th career title, Federer continued his incredible start to the year, which has seen him win in Indian Wells and the Australian Open. Improving his record in 2017 to 13-1, Federer also notched his 21st victory against Wawrinka in 24 meetings.
Playing in his first-ever Indian Wells final, Wawrinka was attempting to win his second career Masters 1000 title.
The WTA and ATP World Tour will now shift gears to the Miami Open in Key Biscayne, Florida, which begins on Wednesday.
