Indian Wells, often referred to as the ‘fifth Grand Slam’, is one of the most highly regarded tournaments in the sport.
As an ATP Masters 1000 event, it’s also among the toughest titles to claim – especially during the era dominated by Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.
From 2004 to 2017, either Federer, Nadal or Djokovic came out on top in 13 of the 14 editions of Indian Wells.
The only exception during that stretch came in 2010, when Ivan Ljubicic captured his first Masters title.
Following his retirement from professional tennis, Ljubicic went on to coach Federer. But before that, he delivered one of the standout performances of his career in Indian Wells.
Looking back on Ivan Ljubicic’s unforgettable 2010 Indian Wells run
Ljubicic started his campaign with back-to-back straight-set wins before running into Djokovic in the fourth round.
He had lost five consecutive matches against the Serb, but this time he turned it around, winning 7-5, 6-3 to move into the quarterfinals.
After coming back from a set down against Monaco, Ljubicic was up against Nadal in the semifinals.
The Spaniard took the opening set, but Ljubicic rallied once more to claim just his second win over Nadal.
The final saw him take on Andy Roddick, who hadn’t lost a set all tournament until then.
Ljubicic edged out Roddick in two tight tiebreaks, finishing off an incredible week with a 7-6, 7-6 victory and securing his first and only Masters title.
Ivan Ljubicic’s reaction to winning Indian Wells in 2010
Speaking after the event, Ljubicic reflected: “I mean, looking at my career, you know, in general, I did feel like, you know, I was missing it (a Masters title).
“It’s a really fantastic feeling to finally have it. You know, it gives something special to your career.
“You know, it’s just another thing that after Davis Cup, Olympic medal and two top 10 finishes, one top 5 finish and now in Masters 1000, as well, so it makes everything look — I mean looking better actually.”
The Croatian went on to win a total of 10 titles during his professional career and achieved a highest ranking of third in the world. He also earned a bronze medal at the Athens Olympics back in 2004.
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