Watch Federer take on Del Potro in a blockbuster clash live on Sky Sports Arena from 8pm
Sunday 18 March 2018 20:15, UK
Defending champion Roger Federer will be aiming to successfully land his sixth BNP Paribas Open title in Indian Wells when he takes on Juan Martin del Potro - live on Sky Sports Arena from 8pm.
World No 1 Federer extended his season win streak to 17 matches, securing a spot in the Masters 1000 final by defeating Borna Coric 5-7 6-4 6-4 on Saturday, while Del Potro wasted no time in setting up a blockbuster clash, racing past Canadian Milos Raonic 6-2 6-3.
Federer, who claimed his 97th singles title with a victory at Rotterdam and regained the world No 1 ranking, becoming the oldest number one in ATP history last month, has made his best-ever start to a season.
But the 36-year-old will have to get past the big-hitting Argentine, who got the better of the Swiss in the US Open quarter-finals last September.
Federer admits he is expecting another gruelling war of attrition against Del Potro, who is on a 10-match winning streak.
"We have had a lot of close matches. Big matches, close matches," said Federer. "Jeez, I just tried to think back at the French Open semis, US Open finals, Olympic semis, Basel finals. Just three-setters, five-setters the whole way."
Juan Martin del Potro to face Roger Federer in Indian Wells final
Del Potro will look to win his first title in California after losing the 2013 final to Rafa Nadal but Federer holds an 18-6 lead in their career head-to-head meetings.
"He's the favourite to win tomorrow," Del Potro said. "But I beat him in the past, and I know I can repeat that. But it is not easy."
When Bjorn Borg was having his brilliant run on tour players in the locker room were asking "how do you beat Borg?". Well, you play you're best tennis every point of the match and that's a little bit of what Delpo has to do. He has to play great, use his weapons effectively, and move well. All those little things mean so much. Now, is Federer healthy? Let's find out tomorrow.
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