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Indian Wells 2018: Juan Martin del Potro dethrones Roger Federer

By Harry Floyd

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 18: Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina plays a backhand in his second round match against Karen Khachanov of Russia on day four of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 18, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 18: Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina plays a backhand in his second round match against Karen Khachanov of Russia on day four of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 18, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) /
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The 2018 Indian Wells Masters ends with a match for the ages. The men’s singles final saw Roger Federer take on Juan Martin del Potro.

Juan Martin del Potro makes it back to back ATP singles titles by winning the 2018 Indian Wells Masters. The Argentinian came into the finals as a slight underdog up against Swiss great Roger Federer. Del Potro has seen some success against Federer in the past, but the world No. 1 has also been on fire as of late. The two tennis stars did not disappoint the fans.

Winning in three hard-fought sets, Del Potro takes the title at Indian Wells. He defeats Federer 6-4, 6-7 (8), 7-6 (2). The back and forth battle completes a strong run of tennis for both players.

As Del Potro came into Indian Wells fresh off of a title win at the Mexican Open, he seemed poised to make a run this week. Federer, on the other hand, had a perfect 12-0 singles record and two titles coming in the action. He is also the 2018 Australian Open champion and new world No. 1 in men’s singles, overtaking Rafael Nadal after his play in Rotterdam.

Related Story: Nadal: 2018 Injuries

Juan Martin del Potro delivers Roger Federer his first loss on the 2018 ATP World Tour. The Argentinian takes the Indian Wells Masters men’s singles title.

Being the defending champion, and perfect on the year so far, Federer was easily considered the favorite during their finals match. Del Potro is accomplished in his own right though. The 29-year-old will test career heights in the singles rankings after the win. Coming in as the world No. 8 on the ATP World Tour, he is sure to be difficult to knock out of the mix in the coming weeks. Several players are vying for their place in the ATP Top five on tour. It’s Federer and Nadal at the top, Marin Cilic right behind them, and then everyone else. If Del Potro can continue his strong play in the middle months of 2018, he is sure to solidify his place atop the rankings. He is a former world No. 4 and US Open champion, reaching his career high in the months after his Grand Slam win.

Next: Genie Bouchard: 2018 Troubles

Look for Juan Martin del Potro and Roger Federer to continue their momentum in the coming weeks. Players and fans alike will also be eyeing Rafael Nadal as he attempts a return from injury leading into action at Roland Garros.

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