Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in the final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells on Sunday and said he hopes to be involved in more big games with the Swiss star this year.

Serbia’s world number one came into the game off the back of a one-sided semi-final against Britain’s Andy Murray in which he only dropped five games throughout.

However Federer proved to be a much sterner test as he bounced back from the losing the first set to take the second on a tie-break, before Djokovic regrouped in the third to win the match 6-3 7-6 6-2.

After successfully defending his title to move level on four career wins with Federer, the 27-year-old said: “Tough luck Roger, it was a great tournament and you’re a great champion and great competitor.

“It was a pleasure playing against you and, as you said, hopefully we can play some more this year.”

Djokovic, who is now looking forward to the clay season and the French Open where he is targeting an 18th Grand Slam title, was delighted with the way he managed to stay composed and hit back after three double faults in the second set.

He added: “I managed to regroup. But that is sport. Those things happen under pressure sometimes.

“Knowing I was close to victory, making three double faults, the pressure, it was all part of it. But I managed to calm down and get calmer kind of movement in the third set.”