Watch: Roger Federer’s craziest shots at Indian Wells

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James Richardson
March 8, 2023

Roger Federer won the Indian Wells Open on five occasions across his career and produced many memorable moments.

He won a hat-trick of titles in succession between 2004 and 2006 and played in the championship match eight times, including during his last appearance at the ATP 1000 event in 2019.

Federer at his best could effortlessly switch between defence and attack to impose his will upon any rally.

He knew the court well and made use of the ample space that surrounds the lines at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas paid tribute to Federer.

“Roger’s win in 2017 is a moment I’ll never forget,” said Haas.

“For him to do that at age 35 was incredible and you could just feel how special the energy was at that year’s tournament.

“As a Tournament Director, seeing Roger Federer in the draw was the best feeling in the world,” Haas added.

“When he’s there you just knew things were going to be running smoothly, and you knew fans were going to be happy.

“We have so many great memories of Roger at our tournament,” said Haas. We are hopeful that sooner rather than later we will be able to get him back in the desert as a fan and ambassador of our great sport.”

Indian Wells honoured Federer upon his retirement with another glowing tribute.

“Of the innumerable icons and stars that have graced the courts at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden over the years, no one singular player has had a more profound impact in shaping the legacy of the BNP Paribas Open than Roger Federer.

“The legacy that Federer leaves behind in Tennis Paradise speaks for itself. As a five-time BNP Paribas Open champion and the all-time winningest men’s or women’s player in tournament history, success has never been hard to come by at Indian Wells for the global tennis icon. Much like his career in totality, the Swiss Maestro’s unique mix of grace and dominance awed spectators in the desert for more than two decades.

“In addition to his on-court triumphs, Federer’s legacy and impact off the court in the desert has been equally as impactful. Appearing at 18 tournaments over the course of his career (another tournament record), the 20-time Grand Slam champion continuously won over crowds in Tennis Paradise not only with his beautiful play on-court, but also with his equally personable presence and character around the grounds”

Roger Federer