Roger Federer’s gracious words of kindness after shock upset
It just wasn’t in the cards for Federer to win the Indian Wells final as Austrian youngster Dominic Thiem dominated the match.
Federer offered a clinical display early in the match, as he took the first set with ease.
Snagging an immediate break point opportunity before serving out on the first set, 6-3, the Swiss GOAT proved why he was number one.
Things continued to get better for Federer whilst looking worse for Thiem, as the Austrian found himself 40-0 at one point.
However, the 25-year-old wasn’t going to take that lying down, and he fought back with vigour.
The match saw him claim a double break to go up 4-1. Federer wasn’t happy and took out his annoyance on the ball kids as Thiem continued to dominate.
Irritable Federer is the worst Federer. Complaining about the ball kids is...not a good sign. #BNPPO19
— Allen McDuffee (@AllenMcDuffee) 18 March 2019
Thiem closed out the second set on 6-3, and with momentum on his side, he continued to do well in the third set.
This 👏 Rally 👏 Is 👏 Everything 👏
Don't miss the #BNPPO19 final live NOW on @TennisTV ✨ pic.twitter.com/1rKLOJmeBP— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) 17 March 2019
The third set was thrilling, as the pair found themselves in endless rallies to take the decider to 3-3. Thiem defended two consecutive Federer smashes with volleys at the net until Federer caught on and shanked a backhand return.
Thiem maintained the rage that Federer was feeling and capitalised on tiring out his opponent. Thiem ended up snagging the crucial break at 6-5 and served out the match with ease as he claimed his first Masters 1000 title.
Thiem couldn’t contain his joy after the match, although maintained he was nervous to play against Federer.
“I was a little nervous to serve it out,” Thiem explained.
“It's been a pleasure to play against one of the greatest of all time.”
The ever-courteous Federer thanked the fans for watching as well as praising Thiem on his outstanding week.
“Thank you very much. It’s been a great week for me even though it didn’t work out today,” he said. “What a great week Dominic has had, congratulations. Wonderful playing at the very end there, you deserve it.”
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