INDIAN WELLS, California: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic fought off a determined challenge from Swiss great Roger Federer on Sunday to claim back-to-back titles at Indian Wells and celebrate his 50th tournament win on the ATP Tour.

The Serb made hard work of his 6-3 6-7(5) 6-2 victory in the BNP Paribas Open final, giving up the second set after serving three double-faults, but he recovered to clinch a fourth trophy at Indian Wells following victories in 2008, 2011 and 2014.

Djokovic joins Federer as the only other man to win the tournament four times.

Enjoying a fine season that started with a fifth Australian Open triumph, Djokovic thrashed semifinalist Andy Murray, the man he beat at Melbourne Park, and showed the same ruthless efficiency in the opening set against Federer.

The Serb broke in the fifth game and with his powerful, deep returns caused constant problems for his opponent.

He dropped just four points on serve and after taking the opening set, it was hard to see how the 33-year-old Swiss could recover.

But Federer, trailing 4-3, lifted his game to break Djokovic, bringing the Californian crowd to their feet.

Djokovic served for the championship at 5-4 in the tiebreak but gave up two double-faults, allowing Federer to force a third set that had looked an unlikely prospect.

Djokovic stole an early break and looked back in command at 2-0, but Federer rallied again to break back.

Ultimately it was double-faults from the Swiss that proved costly, allowing Djokovic to break again and then hold firm for victory.

“I thought overall it was a great match from my side, very solid, great intensity, great commitment to hit every ball,” said Djokovic.

“Credit to Roger for fighting through. Showed again why he’s a competitor and champion, somebody that never gives up. When we got to the third set obviously it was anybody’s game.”

Djokovic’s win moved him above coach Boris Becker in terms of career ATP Tour wins and said the milestone had given him an extra push.

“It’s a great milestone. I don’t take anything for granted. I believe that I have to earn everything that I do.

“I always try to look for additional motivation, because that’s something that is necessary, especially if you’re playing on the highest level.”

Federer paid tribute to his opponent’s staying power.

“Novak did well to obviously sustain the lead for most of the match,” he said. “I think he found an extra gear in the end. It was tough.”

Halep battles back to claim Indian Wells crown

Simona Halep won the BNP Paribas title with a 2-6 7-5 6-4 victory over former world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic in a pulsating final at Indian Wells on Sunday.

Serbian Jankovic was serving for the title at 5-4 in the second set but world No. 3 Halep won the next three games and battled back for the biggest title of her career.

“I don’t know how I won today because I didn’t play my best,” Halep said. “I didn’t play good tennis, but I just wanted to fight till the end.

“I just had the confidence that I have my chance here in this tournament, and I just did everything to get it. I got it, and I’m really happy.”

The tense encounter had both players making plenty of mistakes but 23-year-old Halep displayed determination to secure her third title of the year following Shenzhen and Dubai.

The 30-year-old Jankovic, who had a testy exchange with her coach, showed clear signs of nerves when she had the title within her grasp in the second set and tired badly in the third.

Halep had a bye before the final after world number one Serena Williams withdrew from their semifinal with injury but the Romanian initially struggled.

Jankovic, who won at Indian Wells in 2010, dominated the first set, playing with freedom and fire but became tense within reach of victory.

She broke to 3-1 and 5-4 to serve for the match but was broken back on both occasions, the Romanian fighting for every point before finally closing out the 63-minute set.

Both players struggled on serve in the third but Halep catured the decisive break at 5-4 to secure her 11th WTA title.