Dominic Thiem wins his maiden ATP Masters 1000 crown, denying Federer record 6th Indian Wells title

Austrian Dominic Thiem has snatched a BNP Paribas Open final win against Roger Federer after three tense sets. This is Thiem's first ATP Masters 1000 title, denying Federer a record-breaking sixth Indian Wells win.

The 25-year-old Austrian ace came back after losing the first set to ultimately beat Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. For Thiem, this marks a career high, not only being his first Masters 1000 after two failed bids, but also propelling him to world number four.

The Swiss legend took the initiative early in the match, breezing through the first set and similarly setting the stage for a two-set victory by claiming Thiem’s first service game in the second.

However, Thiem managed to stage an impressive comeback with a subsequent double break, making it level after two sets. Federer and Thiem were neck-and-neck in the third set before the Austrian staged a crucial break at 6-5 and clinched the match.

The 37-year-old Federer was not able to profit from a walkover at the semi-final after world number-two Rafael Nadal was forced to pull out of their scheduled match due to a knee injury.

Thiem's maiden Masters 1000 triumph allowed him to climb back to his career-high number-four ranking from his current eighth position, which he has held since October. The upset will see Federer, a 24-time Grand Slam champion and current number four, sliding back to fifth place.

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