8 tournaments where Roger Federer has had the most missed opportunities

(7) Indian Wells

Federer looks dejected after squandering championship points in the 2018 final against Del Potro

Three championship points on serve loomed for defending champion Federer, fresh off a best start to a season (17-0), in the 2018 Indian Wells final against Argentinian Juan Martin Del Potro.

Serving for a record sixth title in the Californian desert, Federer arrived at 40-15 in the tenth game of the deciding set, but blinked at the most inopportune moment as both match points went begging. A third championship point arrived the Swiss' way but he would massively rue not converting the same as Del Potro broke back to win his maiden Masters 1000 title in the ensuing deciding set tiebreak.

A year later, in the 2019 final, Federer would fall 5-7 in the third set to another first time Masters 1000 champion Dominic Thiem.

Following three set reverses in the 2014-15 title matches to Djokovic, the loss to Thiem marked the second time Federer came up short in consecutive Indian Wells finals, as the Swiss suffered a fourth defeat in a tournament final for the seventh time in his illustrious career.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 18 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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