Djokovic defends Indian Wells title, earns 50th win

Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 to successfully defend his Indian Wells crown and claim his 50th career ATP title on March 23.
      
The 27-year-old world number one from Serbia also captured his fourth Indian Wells crown and is now tied with world number two Federer for the most men's titles in the California desert.
      
"The trophy is very heavy," Djokovic told the crowd as he celebrated adding to the titles he won in 2008 and 2011 as well as last year.
      
It was another epic struggle in a long list of hardcourt battles between the two top players in the world, who have met 38 times with Swiss great Federer still holding a slight 20-18 edge.
      
Djokovic had lost his last two matches to Federer in straight sets after beating him in last year's Wimbledon final. The five-time Australian Open winner also needed three sets to beat Federer in the 2014 Indian Wells title match.
      
Djokovic's range of emotions Sunday went from shaking while trying to take a drink of water during a changeover, to breaking a racquet in fit of anger to the sweet bliss of beating the 17-time Grand Slam winner and one of the greatest of all-time on the big stage.        

"If you look at the big picture, I thought I deserved it in an way, because I really fought for it," said Djokovic. "I am at the prime of my career. I am going to use every part of this fact to stay where I am and to fight for as many major titles as possible.
      
"I don't think these challenges that I go through and the pressure that I feel are harming me or that I find it difficult. It is a privilege because I earned it."         

Djokovic and Federer have combined to win eight of the last 12 Indian Wells...