Roger Federer defeats Stan Wawrinka to lift fifth Indian Wells title

Roger Federer has continued his incredible comeback after defeating compatriot Stan Wawrinka 6-4 7-5 in an all-Swiss final at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden just two months after winning the Australian Open.
The victory now means the 35-year-old has won a record-tying fifth BNP Paribas Open crown, to become the oldest champion in the tournament's history, overtaking Jimmy Connors who was 31 when he won in 1984.
The Indian Wells is considered by many professionals to be the biggest tournament outside the majors and Federer said he had defied even his own expectations.

'For me, the dream run continues. I'm not as surprised as I was in Australia, but still this comes as a big, big surprise to me, nevertheless, to win here again and beating the players that I did and the way I did, he said.

I couldn't be more happy. It's an absolutely huge start to the year for me. Last year I didn't win any titles. I don't think I was in any finals except Brisbane. The change is dramatic, and it feels great.'

Federer endured a six-month injury layoff at the end of 2016, but returned to tour-level action at the start of the season in spectacular fashion, wining his 18^th Grand Slam championship at the Australian Open with a five-set victory over Rafael Nadal.

“It’s been just a fairytale week once again,” said Federer. “I’m still on the comeback. I hope my body is going to allow me to keep on playing. I was very sad when I couldn’t come here last year. Just being here is a beautiful feeling. It’s one of my favourite tournaments. I came here for the first time 17 years ago. So to be here again as the champion is an amazing feeling.”