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Indian Wells triumph a surprise - Federer

John Isner has broken into the world's top ten for the first time © Getty Images

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Roger Federer believes he is in some of the best form of his life after scooping the BNP Paribas Open title for a record fourth time.

Federer was made to work hard for his victory by surprise finalist John Isner, who has broken into the top ten for the first time as a result of his impressive showing at Indian Wells.

After clinching a 7-6(7) 6-3 win on Sunday, Federer revealed he had nearly pulled out earlier in the tournament after suffering with a bout of 'flu.

But after surviving any early upsets, Federer played his way into form, seeing off Juan Martin Del Potro and Rafael Nadal en route to the final.

"I was not feeling great for five days overall and I definitely got lucky at the beginning of the tournament," Federer said. "I've really played amazing these last three matches in particular. I couldn't be more happy. They were really great wins.

"Honestly, I never looked one match ahead of me. I thought del Potro was going to be extremely difficult. Once I got through that one, I only thought of the Nadal match. So for me, maybe mentally because of what happened, it was a bit of an easier tournament.

"I played with an attitude that I can only win here. I don't favour myself because I have not felt great. It would be a surprise to come through. That's how it feels now. I was able to come through, and so convincingly at the end is amazing. I've really played amazing these last three matches."

Federer has lost just twice since last year's US Open, and has now won 15 matches in a row since losing to Isner in the Davis Cup.

Novak Djokovic remains the undisputed world No. 1, but Federer has firmly established himself as the player to beat this season.

"For the moment, Novak is the best player," Federer said. "A lot has to happen for me to come through. I am playing well and I have won six of the last eight events I have played."

Men's rankings: 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB), 2. Rafael Nadal (SPA), 3. Roger Federer (SWI), 4. Andy Murray (GBR), 5. David Ferrer (SPA), 6. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA), 7. Tomas Berdych (CZE), 8. Mardy Fish (USA), 9. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB), 10. John Isner (USA)

Women's rankings: 1. Victoria Azarenka (BLR), 2. Maria Sharapova (RUS), 3. Petra Kvitova (CZE), 4. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL), 5. Sam Stosur (AUS), 6. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN), 7. Marion Bartoli (FRA), 8. Li Na (CHN), 9. Vera Zvonareva (RUS), 10. Andrea Petkovic (GER)

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