Azarenka, Federer Collect Indian Wells Titles

by Staff | March 19th, 2012, 12:07 am
  • 73 Comments

Former No. 1 Roger Federer and current No. 1 Victoria Azarenka claimed the momentum heading into the finale of the spring season on the U.S. tour, heading into the hardcourt event in Miami, capturing the men’s and women’s Indian Wells titles.
ADHEREL
Azarenka humbled world No. 2 Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-3, while Federer held back the charge of big-serving John Isner 7-6(7), 6-3.

Azarenka improved to 23-0 on the year, and 4-0 in finals vs. Sharapova.

“Victoria is extremely solid and makes you work for every point,” Sharapova said. “Ultimately she maybe forces you to want to do a little more than either you should or would want to. She’s really fit, as well. And she’s playing with a lot of confidence — you get that sense when she’s moving around the court and hitting the ball.”


While Azarenka was hitting the ball, Federer was dialing it back to the days he reigned over men’s tennis, fending off the big-serving advances of Isner.

“When it all pays off after a bit of a scare early on in the week and you get the title and the emotions are going, it’s a wonderful feeling,” Federer said. “I remember the days when I won three years in a row here, and I enjoyed myself over here. It’s been a long time since I have been this successful here, even though I have had some really good matches here in the past, but it’s nice taking it all the way and getting victories. I was just really happy and not relieved because I was just extremely proud of my performance this week.”

Isner said he had fun from the experience while taking some lessons home.

“It was a great experience for me,” Isnee said. “The whole week was a lot of fun. Felt like right from the get go I was going to have a good week, but I didn’t want to over-think it. I definitely took it one match at a time. I certainly played well all week, and obviously today it did not go my way. I don’t really feel like necessarily I played my best, but that’s what Roger does. If I have any shot to beat him I’m gonna have to play my best. That wasn’t the case today. He was too strong. All the credit goes to him.”

Isner also lost in the doubles final, pairing with fellow American Sam Querrey and losing to Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez.


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73 Comments for Azarenka, Federer Collect Indian Wells Titles

Michael Says:

It is just amazing that a player aged 31 is now dominating a Sport which has become purely physical. Roger has won his 19th Masters title and it is an outstanding achievement and he equals Nadal. While Nadal’s Masters record is more skewed and 15 of his Masters win were on clay, Roger’s win is evenly distributed although tilted more towards hard courts which is understandable. In this way, Roger has answered his critics who were expressing doubts and misgivings about his scaling ambitions. What a better way to do that than dismantle Nadal in the way he did. Now Roger has a sure shot at this year’s Wimbledon and the Olympics too – which is the only missing trophy in his cabinet. If he maintains this form, I am sure he will do it.


DC Says:

With 31 year old is winning most of the tournaments, this has to be the weakest era ever


bstevens Says:

^Unless that 31 year old is named Roger Federer (he is still 30 btw).


Skorocel Says:

Nice win for Roger! To beat Raonic, Delpo, Nadal & Isner (out of which the last 2 were the only players who beat him in about 6 months time) in the same tournament + win it for a record 4th time is ALWAYS good. Feel a bit sad for Isner, but one simply has to lose…

P.S. That guy named Lahyani is a joke… Today he robbed Isner of 2 points & he did the same to Raonic when he played Fed in the 3rd round. I’ve never grown to like him (mostly because of those omnipresent smiles, which makes you feel as if he’s in a circus or cabaret rather than in a tennis match doing his job), but I can’t help but state – the guy struggled mightily in IW…


Steve 27 Says:

Nadal has 19 master 1000 5 on harcourt
7 Montecarlo
2 IW
5 Rome
1 Madrid clay 1 Hamburg
2 Canada
1 Madrid (Indoor)

If you can not add you have a serious problem, I do not understand because you underestimate the amount has Nadal on clay, like a smaller court, while you can enjoy this win, mathematician Michael.


Michael Says:

Skorocel,

Agree. That was an atrocious decision by Lahyani who overruled a line call which called a ball out. I was surprised that Isner did not challenge that even though he had some misgiving.

I too feel sad for Isner. It is not that many times they come to the finals in a Master tournament and they need to grab the chance. Unfortunately Isner could not do it despite beating Novak the other day. The reason being his serves didn’t have the pace and precision that was displayed against Novak. I was in a way expecting that dip in the service level. It did and Roger had an easy time and dominated Isner. I am sure things would have been pretty different had Novak been in the finals. I would not say Novak would have won, but he would have made a good match out of it and took it to atleast three sets.


Michael Says:

Steve 27,

1 Madrid (indoor) – was it hard court or clay ? I am not sure. But still, let us say it is 14 on clay and 5 on hard courts. That too is a bit skewed. However, all credit to Rafa. A win is a win – whether clay or grass or hard courts doesn’t matter. I only said that to suggest Nadal’s dominance on clay than other courts.


Steve 27 Says:

The same is for the swiss.dominance on hard than other courts.
Lol


Michael Says:

True. Masters hosts only two courts – Clay and hard court. It would be right to say that Roger dominates hard while Nadal dominates Clay. However, out of the 9 Masters tournaments overall, six are contested on hard courts and that shows the dominance of this surface than Clay. In this way, you are expected to win more on this surface than the other way around else it can be well contested as skewed.


RZ Says:

DC, are you serious? How is this a weak era? We’ve had amazing runs by Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic in the last few years and a dominant “Big 3” and a very strong #4 player in Murray (even if he didn’t show it in Indian Wells). Give Federer the credit he deserves for playing well.


Steve 27 Says:

Rz, you know what is irony, don’t you?. Use your brain more.


Jeanius Says:

Steve are you related to Osama bin Laden or what. You should stop being so militant and get over yourself butt.


Rahul Says:

This was one of the best shows by Federer in a while. What was really great was that his shots had that zing that has been missing, a sense of purpose and fearlessness. Of course as we know in tennis nothing is guaranteed and perhaps the outcome in Miami wont be so positive. But as a Federer fan these are the kind of performances I live for!


Steve 27 Says:

Steve are you related to Osama bin Laden or what
Wtf jeanius, are you comparing me with a terrorist? are you idiot or insane?
Think before you speak, and do not say bullshit.


Jeanius Says:

Steve 27 I hope that number is not your IQ. I never said you are a terrorist, all I am saying is to stop being so militant.


Steve 27 Says:

hahaha, so funny, jeanius, provocatively attack me first, then add a sarcastic comment but do not answer anymore because not worth it. I hope you do not have the 11 S family, God rest his soul by the way, not ever happen again.


Jeanius Says:

Steve 27, let me take a calculated guess. You are unemployed, your wife divorced you cause you have an abusive attitude and you never really lived up to any expectation. This is a blog for well-mannered intelligent people. We have our differences but we need to allow others opinions as well. Your slurring makes no sense or is that typical the Nadal attitude. Always low class upper cuts.


Jeanius Says:

Nevertheless enough of Steve now although I think he is mem in another form.


Steve 27 Says:

First you associate me with a terrorist, then make reference to my intelligence and finally, make conjectures without foundation, but as I mentioned above is not worth arguing with you is pointless and waste my time, Jeanius, I hope to accept your mistakes and be more sensible next time, unlike you, I think you’re an intelligent person. Until next time.


Skorocel Says:

Michael: „The reason being his (Isner’s) serves didn’t have the pace and precision that was displayed against Novak.“

If I recall it correctly, 75 % of Isner’s 1st serves landed in against Fed. Not bad, don’t you think?

==============

Michael: „However, out of the 9 Masters tournaments overall, six are contested on hard courts and that shows the dominance of this surface than Clay. In this way, you are expected to win more on this surface than the other way around else it can be well contested as skewed.“

Well, that only makes Nadal’s achievements on clay more special. Imagine if it was the other way around – i.e. 6 on clay & 3 on HC… Where would Nadal stand then? True, one can argue that the competition on clay isn’t of the same depth as on hard (in other words, that there are more players who can play good on hard than on clay – last but not least because HC is still the most prevalent surface on the tour), but still…


Michael Says:

Skorocel,

Isner was not serving bad against Roger. He was serving okay and not at his best level like he was doing against Novak where he just executed thunderbolts which were literally unreturnable. Still Novak was able to break Isner in the 1st as well as in the second sets speaks a lot about his returning capabilities. However, against Roger, it was a different story and although the first serve percentage was seemingly high, yet just from the look of it the pace was not that much vicious and Roger was able to handle it. If he had served like he did against Novak, who knows, the result would have been different and the match should have atleast gone to three sets and still Roger might have found a way to win.

6 on Clay and I assume it is 13 on hard courts. Where would Nadal stand then ?

He would not be called as the GREATEST PLAYER ON CLAY. As simple as that.


Humble Rafa Says:

It is just amazing that a player aged 31 is now dominating a Sport which has become purely physical

Amazing how his age dramatically rises when the Arrogant One wins.

Watch out! Now that the Arrogant One has won a master’s title, fact don’t matter. Admiration and adulation is all that counts.

Here is my summary of the match for the Arrotards:

31 year old, who is only 4’9″ somehow manages to beat a 8 ft 3 inch tall John Isner. Herculean effort indeed.


skeezerweezer Says:

HR

Awwwww…now your sounding just Jealous. How nice.


RZ Says:

Steve 27, yes I know what irony is. But it’s hard to tell on a blog comment who’s being ironic and who is being serious (with a few exceptions, like Humble Rafa). No need to be rude…


Dan Martin Says:

I think the win was big for Roger to keep momentum and confidence sky high. Vika may run away with the #1 ranking for the year. Where are you Kvitova?


Steve 27 Says:

He would not be called as the GREATEST PLAYER ON CLAY. As simple as that.

Michael, you must be kidding, the Spaniard is the best in clay away from everyone,, if you take away that merit should be jealous of all that has been achieved so far is as if I not called the Swiss the best on hard courts, I should be kidding. Delegitimize Nadal which has the highest winning percentage ever achieved in any court, is arrogant and not knowing that it is tennis. and who knows, he can achieve this year its RG number 7, surpassing Borg, who retired from tennis cowardly, and may have been more memorable victories on his resume, but let himself be overcome soon. Then, it may be only the second in the Open Era to achieve a major win 7 times as Sampras, something the Swiss might not achieve. Give Nadal the most deserving, the best of all-time in clay, something that should highlight the Swiss defeats against the Spaniard..


racquet Says:

What’s with all the quibbling? The Miami draw ceremony is underway. Women nearly done, men about to start.


sheldon Says:

We forget what a good clay court player Federer is . He has been a French open finalist 4-5 times. It is his misfortune, so to speak to play in an era where perhaps the greatest clay court player in history is in his prime. Anyone other than Nadal around and Federer would have additional French Open titles


Angel Says:

So Steve 27 you are basically assuming that Rafa is going to win Roland Garros for sure and that Federer has practically no shot to win Wimbledon. Interesting, and you talk about detract. I think Jeanius was right about the comment of your IQ.


racquet Says:

Little switch up for Miami. Nadal/Murray in same half; Djoko/Fed in the other.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

An incredible win for Federer in this tournament. When the draw came out, his path looked terrible compared to the others. This was a real, earned win. As a fan of Fed, I admit I’d given up on him beating Rafa outdoors again. I was ecstatic to be wrong, and ranted about it to Mrs Vagabond for days.
For Fed to take #2, he has to have an exact repeat of this tournament. Unlikely, but not impossible. The man is playing good tennis.
There is also an opening for Fed to overtake Rafa before the French. Not much of one though. With Novak as the only plausible conqueror for Rafa, and he can only do so in the finals (too late to help Fed’s point spread), the job would have to fall to Fed himself, should he meet Rafa in the semis.
So if Roger doesn’t win Miami, he would have to beat Rafa on clay to steal #2 before the French.
Well. Unlikely, but I think he will enter Wimbledon very close on Rafa’s heels.
The importance of 2 vs 3 now is really interesting. Fed struggles mightily with Rafa, and now he virtually HAS to beat Rafa to win a tournament (assuming only Novak can otherwise knock Rafa out, and again, Novak can only do so in finals, too late to help Fed).

So for Fed to gain #2 is an immense help, in that 50% of his tournaments he can hope for Novak to take out Rafa for him.

On the other hand, if Rafa falls to 3— he now HAS to beat Novak to win a title, since Fed will be of no use to him for the same reason Novak is now no use to Fed!

So Fed is at a huge disadvantage right now, and he needs to “upset” the odds over Rafa at least one more time to take that #2 spot.
Which is only fair, after all. To be the Man, you gots to beat the Man!


Steve 27 Says:

No angel, is what happens when it misinterprets a simple comment, just refuted Michael he does not believe that Spanish is the best on clay. only need to see his stats. It is also more possible seventh RG for Nadal than a seventh Wimbledon for Federer as has happened in recent years.

And on the IQ comment I see that you can not handle a different opinion to yours, you know that in a democracy must respect all the opinions you like it or not, tolerance of difference, is what you practice in your daily life, but that speaks volumes about your IQ, dear angel.


Steve 27 Says:

A reflexion:
Two years ago, these same forums, and said the problems were going to take its toll on Nadal because they were and are clearly seen.
Rafa is a great player with a great story already, but your regular kick, his second at times so weak, his excessive topspin and short balls is punished too. You must look at Federer and Djokovic, with devastating direct hits that, together with their serves are given so many advantages. Take them out of the previous two players, you destroy, make a difference. His initial impetus, his ambitions first, his great powers are spending. He has made much effort.
Too many years without change. Without changing the defects and coach.
This is all that’s wrong with Nadal and is asking too much to suffer and strive, because he never gives up.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Ah, Racquet, I wish I’d read your post. So now, for Fed to take #2, he can’t even rely on himself to do the job, but needs Andy Murray. I like Murray on this surface. Rafa certainly has looked good, but I’d give Murray at least a 1/3 chance. So all Fed has to do is beat the #1. And of course, Murray….
I’m not sure, but I think I like his odds better than having to go through Rafa!


Steve 27 Says:

is that Nadal has to make an internal catharsis, as passed Ivan Lendl, Agassi … etc ….

but that if, as I said the years do not go in vain

should match more technical, more static, more kick, more game glued to the bottom line, not far but the left will be devastating … and that


jane Says:

Thanks to racquet for the update on the Miami draw.


Brando Says:

@ racquet: where can you see the draw? Thanks in advance.


racquet Says:

I’m only caught that snippet on a twitter feed. However, the guy seems uninterested in giving a blow by blow account :( So I guess we’ll have to wait to analyze it ourselves. Should be up on the website in 30 minutes or so.


Brando Says:

@racquet: thanks for the effort nonetheless. It’s a nice little changeup really: rafa hasn’t played andy for 5/6 months and ESPECIALLY fed- nole after USO SF is one I want to see again. Both 50/50 matches IMHO.


racquet Says:

Uh-oh, just saw this: Murray plays Istomin or Falla then possibly Raonic, Simon/Melzer, Berdych/ Tipsy. Overall, it looks okay except for the 3rd round. Hasn’t met Milos yet. He should handle him okay (as he does other big servers), but after IW it makes me a bit twitchy.


racquet Says:

Djoko possible route: R2: Leo Mayer/Baghdatis. R3: Troicki. R4: F Lopez/Gasquet. QF: Ferrer/Del Potro.


racquet Says:

Federer has a cupcake draw. Opens against Harrison and possible match-ups with Roddick, Monfils, Anderson, Fish.

They’ve put up the draw now: http://t.co/tVnmyI90


van orten Says:

no delpo vs nadal again???bummer !!! i need to see that one…hope for davydenko and nalbandian though ;-)


racquet Says:

In Rafa’s section; Stephanek, Nishikori. Potential QF against Isner or Tsonga.


van orten Says:

cupcake draw fed…??? then you need a new word for nadals draw !!!


van orten Says:

all in all fed nadal and djoker should come through to the semis…murray should too but well you know , he is murray


Brando Says:

Federer’s draw is a COMPLETE JOKE! Rafa’s is easy until he faces isner (most probably) which will be tough. Nonetheless federer must be laughing his behind off at how things are turning out for him!


tfouto Says:

Federer have beaten Murray and Nadal the last time they played. Will he do it with Djokovic?


racquet Says:

^^cupcake draw fed…???

C’mon, he owns Roddick, Monfils, & Fish. Anderson is the only unknown quantity. Who’s the threat?


van orten Says:

they have never met in miami..so this one should be interesting…


van orten Says:

hahaha roddick won their last meeting at msg…


racquet Says:

So now exhibitions count? lol


Brando Says:

Fed has got it COMPLETELY MADE. there is no way he will not be in the SFs. The only tough thing about his draw is no one knows how many bagels and breadsticks he will hand out going into the SF.

Rafa has a comfortable draw until he faces isner- very tough looking at what he did to nole, the way he competed against fed, and being in the singles/ doubles finals- confidence most be at an all time high.

Murray has it fine, bar raonic, should be ok- BUT its andy so even ok can get complicated.

Nole has probably the toughest route, BUT after fed he is the next best guy to handle it.

Ultimately, top 4 should make SFs.


racquet Says:

^^they have never met in miami.

Who has never met in Miami?


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Nole has it easy till QF- Ferrer won’t challenge him, but DelPo could.

Murray has some real challenges with Raonic and Berdych.

Rafa has it easy till QF- Isner, and even more so Tsonga, can be a real threat.

Fairly balanced draw. Fed probably has the easiest route, I think Nole and Rafa are the most threatened by their QF opponents.


Brando Says:

Rafa and nole are DEFINATELY most threatened by their possible QTR opponents.


El Flaco Says:

Anderson is playing excellent tennis right now. His ranking is at a career high. He beat an in form Isner the week before Indian Wells. Their games are similar. Anderson’s serve isn’t quite as big, but he moves better. There is only 1 inch difference in height, but Isner is about 30 lbs heavier.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Flaco- Anderson’s playing well for Anderson. The difference between them is, for Anderson, beating Isner is a highlight.


van orten Says:

nole and roger have never played in miami as far as i know..


van orten Says:

each other !!!


Brando Says:

@Van Orten:

They did, just the once, nole won in 3.

Nole is leading fed 5-1 in their last 6 OUTDOOR hard court meeting.

Add to that, miami generally speaking favours nole more due to its lack of speed, i expect nole to return the favour and end fed’s winning streak just like fed did to his! :-)

A case of what goes around, comes around….


racquet Says:

^^nole and roger have never played in miami as far as i know.

Yes they have – in 2009. And it led to the only time I’ve seen Federer smash a racquet:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-e-Ud-ly04


van orten Says:

ahhahaha yeah that was in miami???? wow time goes by …classic smashing from fed there


jane Says:

“Nole has it easy till QF” – disagree if he does meet Baggy early. Nole and Baggy always have tight matches for whatever reason.


jane Says:

“Murray has some real challenges with Raonic and Berdych.

Rafa has it easy till QF- Isner, and even more so Tsonga, can be a real threat.

Fairly balanced draw. Fed probably has the easiest route, I think Nole and Rafa are the most threatened by their QF opponents.”

Agree with the rest of Tennis Vagabond’s post however – nice summation


tennisfan Says:

6 titles since October and he is still going. For all those people who think that Federer should retire, Indian Wells was again a good reminder that he can still beat players who are 5-10 years younger than him easily!

I believe Action speaks louder than Words and that’s what Federer has done by redefining the meaning of age 30 in tennis!

Roger Federer: The Power of Belief ! http://bit.ly/GzzjYI


Steve 27 Says:

30s are the new 20s tennisfan, this why the swiss can still a threat to his rivals.


jane Says:

From Nole’s twitter: Congrats to @JohnIsner for breaking in top10 and having a great week!Congrats to Roger Federer for winning another big title in IW


Michael Says:

Steve 27,

I was responding to a hypothesis by Skorocel. I will be a fool if I deny that NADAL IS THE GREATEST ON CLAY SURFACE.


skeezerweezer Says:

racquet ,

Re Fed loss to Nole in Miami…yeah I distinctly remember that….it wasn’t pretty ;(


Mike Says:

fantastic from the GOAT Fed

so good to see a day when Nadal and Djokovic lost on the same day as well

please let this be a sign of things to come in 2012

GO Fed!


Steve 27 Says:

so good to see a day when Nadal and Djokovic lost on the same day as well

hahhaa, this will not happen as often
to see if it wakes up the choker Murray!

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