Court Report: Two memorable finals in Indian Wells

Each day on TENNIS.com, we’ll feature Tennis Channel’s Court Report, a rundown of the day that was in the sport—along with our thoughts on what’s happening on the courts around the world.

Few would have predicted that Roger Federer’s start to 2017 would be this successful.

The Swiss star defeated his compatriot Stan Wawrinka in the final of the BNP Paribas Open, 6-4, 7-5, for his second title of the year. The first was picked up at the Australian Open, when he captured his 18th Grand Slam.

Federer’s Indian Wells victory was his fifth in the desert and his 25th career Masters tournament triumph. At 35, he’s the oldest man to win an event at that level.

It’s almost as if it was 2006 again: That’s the last time Federer won the Australian Open and Indian Wells.

Before the men’s match, Elena Vesnina of Russia took home the women’s title with a three-set win over her countrywoman Svetlana Kuznetsova. The players battled through soaring triple-digit temperatures in a seesaw encounter. Kuznetsova won the first set and was up 4-1 in the second before Vesnina rallied to win her third career singles title.

Vesnina, a two-time Grand Slam champion and Olympic Gold medalist in doubles, has now made her biggest statement in singles with her first Premier Mandatory victory.