Roger Federer wins 4th BNP Paribas Open Title

Written by: Staff on 19th March 2012

Roger Federer wins 4th BNP Paribas Open Title

epa03151134 Roger Federer of Switzerland poses with his trophy after defeating John Isner of the USA in their men's final at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, USA, 18 March 2012. Federer won 7-6(7) and 6-3. EPA/JOHN MABANGLO |

Indian Wells, CA – One of the all-time serving battles took place today as Roger Federer faced John Isner in the Men’s Singles final at the 2012 BNP Paribas Open. Both men are amongst the leaders on tour in the serving stat categories and produced a close final match in front of a full-capacity stadium crowd. All eyes were on John Isner because of his astounding upset of Novak Djokovic in yesterday’s semifinal. The (mostly) American crowd was fervently behind their big man as they hoped he could produce another upset. The important stats of the match were Federer’s winning percentage of points when he got his first serve in (95%) and then points won on Isner’s second serve (53%). Today, Roger Federer was in magnificent form, controlling play and dictating the most important points of the match.

The first set was a close affair, both players showing some signs of nerves as they entered the tiebreak. In the tiebreak, Isner blinked first and donated a few forehand errors to Federer. But Federer came right back and double faulted to give the mini-break back. The most crucial point of the match turned out to be the 7-all point on Isner’s serve. He approached the net and Federer played a backhand passing shot that appeared to come slightly off the frame. Isner let the ball go instead of opting for an awkward volley and Federer’s shot dropped right onto the baseline. It was a matter of inches (off of Federer’s racket and then again at the baseline) that was the difference in the first set. Federer then capitalized, hitting a first serve in that Isner returned long.

The intensity continued but it was apparent that Isner wasn’t up to the same standard that he was yesterday. His first serve speed dropped off significantly and the weather wasn’t kind to the crowds or energy of the stadium. The cold, windy, and slow conditions helped Federer return better and dominate the rallies, leaving Isner constantly wrong-footed and scrambling often.

It was only a matter of time as Federer kept winning his service games at love and pushing Isner into deeper and deeper service games of his own. Finally at 3-all, Isner serving, Federer lured Isner to net twice, passing him with clean winners twice. The first time at 15all, Federer used a short cross-court slice and then an inside-out forehand to get to 30-15. At 30-15, he employed the same tactic before sending a classic backhand up the line to set up two break points. It was the only opening Federer needed as he returned a bullet of a first serve and Isner put a forehand into the net. Isner’s shoulders slumped as he walked to his chair. Federer went up 5-3 and then had another great return game, breaking Isner’s serve again. Federer held both arms high in victory, smiling towards his box and then turning around the stadium with racket and bandana in hand. Federer was too good today, hit too many of his spots, and was putting balls closer and closer to the lines as the tournament wore on. Today, Federer was in one of those immaculate states where even the great Isner serve didn’t affect his timing or rhythm.

This is Federer’s 19th Masters title, tying him with Rafael Nadal, he’s won the last 3 tournaments he’s entered (Rotterdam, Dubai, BNP Paribas).

Topics: Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer