Juan Martin del Potro put an end to Roger Federer's unbeaten start to 2018 with victory in the final of the BNP Paribas Open.
The former US Open champion dominated a third-set tie-break to win 6-4 6-7 (6/8) 7-6 (7/2), handing Federer a first defeat of the year in what was his 18th match.
It was also a first Masters 1000 title for Del Potro, who survived championship points as he hauled himself into a tie-break which he ultimately took with relative ease.
Federer was left to rue 45 unforced errors and a rare inability to rely on his second serve when needed as he missed out on a sixth Indian Wells title.
Despite not perhaps being at his best, the Swiss served for the match at 5-4 in the third and, at 40-15, spurned two opportunities to extend his sensational winning streak.
But Del Potro is nothing if not a player who fights until the end, and having saved both carried that momentum into the tie-break for a famous success - one which places Federer's number one ranking under some threat.
"I'm still shaking," said Del Potro.
"I cannot believe I'm here with this trophy, beating Roger after a great battle.
"It was lucky, in the last tie-break I played well and finally I got the trophy."
A typically magnanimous Federer added: "Juan Martin, well played today. You deserve it, you were the better player at the end. Well done and enjoy the moment."
Related tennis links
