Roger Federer suffers fresh blow after loss in Indian Wells final

Not only did Dominic Thiem defeat Roger Federer in the Indian Wells final, he also leapfrogged him in the rankings.

Thiem has moved up four places and taken fourth place in the new ATP rankings, the highest mark of his career.

After beating Federer in the Masters 1000 final in California, he sent the Swiss legend down from No.4 to No.5.

Thiem beat Federer 3-6 6-3 7-5 to claim the biggest title of his career, collect a cheque for $1.3 million ($A1.8m) and deny Federer a record sixth title in the Californian desert.

“It just feels unreal what happened,” Thiem said. “He’s such a legend.

“It is such a pleasure to compete with you, to learn so much from you, and to play with one of the biggest legends of all time.”

Top 3 remain unchanged

Novak Djokovic remains at the top of the rankings despite his second round loss, followed by Rafael Nadal, who withdrew before his semi-final against Federer with a knee injury.

Alexander Zverev remains at No.3.

Juan Martin del Potro has fallen three places and is now No.8 after missing Indian Wells, a tournament he won last year.

ATP rankings at March 18:

1. Novak Djokovic (SRV) 10.990 pts

2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8,725

3. Alexander Zverev (ALE) 6,630

4. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4.755 (+4)

5. Roger Federer (SUI) 4,600 (-1)

6. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4.235 (+1)

7. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4.115 (-1)

8. Juan Martín Del Potro (ARG) 3,585 (-3)

9. John Isner (USA) 3.485

10. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 3,160

11. Marin Cilic (CRO) 3,095

12. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2,845 (+1)

13. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,345 (-1)

14. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2.275

15. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 2,230

16. Marco Cecchinato (ITA) 2,021

17. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 1,885

18. Gaël Monfils (FRA) 1,875 (+1)

19. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 1,865 (-1)

20. Davis Goffin (BEL) 1.685 (+1)

AFP