Federer flashes familiar form in nailing down fifth Indian Wells title

INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA — Forget the comeback talk; Roger Federer is back.

Pounding monster serves and brilliant backhands, the Swiss superstar defeated compatriot Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 7-5 to win a record-tying fifth BNP ParibasOpentitleonSundayto go with his record 18th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January after missing most of last year with various injuries.

“For me, the dream run continues,” he said.

Federer kept reminding everyone during the ATP Masters 1000 event that he was “on the comeback” and, wanting to see how he felt, hadn’t planned beyond the first three months of year.

He might want to think bigger now.

“This was not part of the plan, to win Australia and Indian Wells. The goal was to be in the top eight by Wimbledon, so I’m there much, much faster,” Federer said.

“I will make a plan for the remainder of the season, especially for the clay, after Miami, and then see also what the goals are because they are clearly changing after this dream start.”

Federer tied the tourney record of Novak Djokovic, who lost in the fourth round, while winning his 90th career title, keeping him third behind Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl on theall-timelistintheOpenera.

At 35 years and seven months, Federer became the oldest champion in the desert tournament’s history, surpassing Connors, who was 31 years and five months when he won in 1981.

“It’s an absolute huge start to the year for me,” Federer said. “Last year I didn’t win any titles. The change is dramatic and it feels great.”

His twin daughters cheered and jumped up and down in a box above the court when Federer put away a high forehand volley while keeping Wawrinka pinned deep behind the baseline on match point.

Federer dropped serve just once in five matches, losing the first game of the second set against No 3 seed Wawrinka. He saved one break point against Rafael Nadal in the fourth round, and never lost a set in the tournament.

For me, the dream run continues ... The goal was to be in the top eight by Wimbledon, so I’m there much, much faster.”

Roger Federer. after winning his fifth Indian Wells title

Seeded ninth, Federer advanced to the semifinals via walkover when Nick Kyrgios withdrew.

“The way he’s playing is just so beautiful,” Wawrinka said. “Everything looks perfect. He’s moving amazingly well. He has amazing touch. He’s doing everything you can do on the tennis court.”

In an all-Russian women’s final, Elena Vesnina defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-7 (6), 7-5, 6-4.

She and Federer $1,175,505 each.

Federer will move up four spots to No 6 in this week’s ATP world rankings.

He hit 23 winners, including 16 off his backhand in the 80-minute match. Wawrinka had17winnersand21unforced errors in front of the announced crowd of 17,382 that didn’t fill the stadium.

Federer improved to 20-3 against Wawrinka, including 15-0 on hard courts. Wawrinka’s wins have all been on clay. earned