Reliving Djokovic’s Five Indian Wells Titles

Novak Djokovic could take over yet another record at this year’s BNP Paribas Open. The World No. 1 is tied with Roger Federer for most titles won at this event with five, but another big fortnight in the desert could see him own the record solo with a sixth championship.

In his first tournament back from elbow surgery, Djokovic bowed out in his opening round last year to Taro Daniel of Japan. It’s safe to say the Serbian will be eager to erase that memory in 2019.

ATPTour.com looks back at Djokovic’s five Indian Wells titles.

1. 2008: No. 3 Djokovic d. Mardy Fish 6-2, 5-7, 6-3

Two months after he clinched his first Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open, Djokovic continued to soar in the desert. He raced into the final without dropping a set and produced a nearly perfect performance to topple second seed Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals 6-3, 6-2, a rematch of the previous year’s final.

Fish was playing in only his second ATP Masters 1000 final and his first in five years, but the American wasn’t awed by the occasion. He pushed Djokovic to the brink, but the third seed broke Fish in the second game of the deciding set with a backhand winner. The slight advantage was all Djokovic needed and he clinched his first title in the desert after Fish sent a backhand long.

Watch Highlights: Djokovic Topples Fish For Maiden Indian Wells Crown

2. 2011: No. 3 Djokovic d. No. 1 Rafael Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 6-2

Djokovic proved to be untouchable at the start of the tournament, dropping just 12 games to reach the semi-finals. He then defeated second seed Federer in the semi-finals 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, marking his third victory over the Swiss star in three months.

In the final against Nadal, the Serbian overcame a slow start and poured it on at the halfway mark. Djokovic took 10 of the last 13 games for this third Indian Wells title. The victory extended his unbeaten run that season to 20 matches and marked his first win against Nadal in an ATP Tour final in six attempts.

Watch Highlights: Djokovic Defeats Nadal For Second Indian Wells Title

3. 2014: No. 3 Djokovic d. No. 7 Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(3)

Djokovic didn’t have it easy during his fortnight in the desert. The Serbian was pushed to three sets against Alejandro Gonzalez (R3), Marin Cilic (R4) and John Isner (SF) en route to the championship match.

In an Indian Wells classic against Federer, Djokovic fought back against the inspired play from the Swiss in the early stages of their championship match. The Serbian served for the title at 6-5 and was broken, but regrouped to win his first ATP Tour title of the season. 

Watch Highlights: Djokovic Outlasts Federer For Indian Wells Hat Trick

4. 2015: No. 1 Djokovic d. No. 2 Roger Federer 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-2

The defending champion that year, Djokovic continued his Indian Wells dominance by powering into the final without losing a set. In the semi-finals, Djokovic dismantled fourth seed Andy Murray 6-3, 6-2. The win marked his sixth straight victory over the Brit, five of which had come in the previous six months.

Federer had won three of his four most recent FedEx ATPHead2Head meetings with Djokovic going into the final, but had an off day and finished the afternoon with 43 unforced errors. Djokovic sensed the opportunity and raced through the last four games to successfully defend his championship.

“I am at the prime of my career,” said Djokovic afterwards. “I’m going to try to use every part of this fact to stay where I am and to fight for as many major titles as possible.”

Watch Highlights: Djokovic Defeats Federer To Defend Indian Wells Title

5. 2016: No. 1 Djokovic d. No. 12 Milos Raonic 6-2, 6-0

The two-time defending champion got his title defense off to a shaky start when he dropped the first set of his opening-round match against qualifier Bjorn Fratangelo. It would be the Djokovic’s only hiccup for the rest of the tournament.

Rounding into form with each match, the Serbian defeated fourth seed Nadal in the semi-finals 7-6(5) 6-2. The match marked his sixth straight win over the Spaniard, all of which had come in straight-sets.

Djokovic saved his best for last against Raonic. He won the first four games of the match and finished with a seven-game run, dropping just three points on serve in the second set for his fifth Indian Wells title.

Watch Highlights: Djokovic Routs Raonic For Indian Wells Three-Peat