INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) — Roger Federer defeated Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 7-5 to win a record-tying fifth BNP Paribas Open title in the all-Swiss final.
Afterward, Wawrinka jokingly called his Swiss countryman and Davis Cup teammate an “a******.”
“I would like to congratulate Roger,” Wawrinka said, with tears in his eyes as he glanced over at Federer. “He’s laughing. He’s an a******, but it’s OK.”
He continued: “I lost some tough ones against you, but when you played the final in Australia I was still your biggest fan so congratulations for your comeback and congratulations for today.
“Anybody who loves to watch tennis loves to watch you so it’s always good to see you back at that level, hopefully for many years.”
Wawrinka began his speech by saying: “I’m sorry I’m just tired after 10 days.”
At 35 years and seven months, Federer became the oldest champion in the desert tournament’s history on Sunday, surpassing Jimmy Connors, who was 31 years and five months when he won in 1981.
Federer tied the tourney record of Novak Djokovic, who lost in the fourth round, while winning his 90th career title, keeping him third behind Connors and Ivan Lendl on the all-time list in the Open era.
Federer dropped serve just once in five matches, losing the first game of the second set against Wawrinka. Federer advanced to the semifinals via walkover when Nick Kyrgios withdrew.
In January, Federer extended his all-time record by winning his 18th career Grand Slam title, defeating rival Rafael Nadal in five sets in the final. He also beat Nadal, 6-2, 6-3, en route to the Indian Wells crown.
Both Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt, former Federer rivals, said they believe he can win more majors going forward.
“Time is undefeated in sports but Roger and Venus and Serena, they’re all giving it a hell of a run right now, aren’t they?” Roddick said earlier this month.
“It’s amazing to me because he announces a three-year commitment to a tournament and I’m actually not surprised by it,” Roddick added of Federer. “That’s the ultimate compliment. I can actually envision him still being a great player. I think it’s his choice how long he wants to stay in the Top 10, barring good health. I think he’s a generational talent, if his body holds up. He has so many different options in terms of how he can play with his spins, serve and volleying and staying back. It’s not that surprising to me.”
