Novak Djokovic will be looking to pull-off the Indian Wells-Miami double for a third time in his career as he heads to Florida following a successful campaign in the California desert.

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The world No1 defeated Roger Federer 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 to defend his Indian Wells crown – they both now have a record four titles each at the event – and claim his 50th career ATP title on Sunday (early yesterday morning in the UAE).

The 27-year-old Serb now has a combined eight trophies from the two Masters 1000 events at Indian Wells and Miami.

“I enjoy playing Indian Wells and Miami very much. This is the first time I’m with my family, my wife and my boy are here and they’re going to be with me in Miami and that gives me a lot of free time after my commitments on the tennis court to relax, to recover, to enjoy the family,” said Djokovic, after beating Federer.

“I’m going to try to use the record I have in Miami, winning it four times, to encourage myself and use that confidence for this year.”

The Indian Wells final was another epic struggle in a long list of hardcourt battles between the two top players in the world, who have met 38 times, with Swiss great Federer still holding a slight 20-18 edge. 

Djokovic had lost his last two matches to Federer in straight sets after beating him in last year’s Wimbledon final. The five-time Australian Open winner also needed three sets to beat Federer in the 2014 Indian Wells title match.

Djokovic’s range of emotions on Sunday went from shaking while trying to take a drink of water during a changeover, to breaking a racquet in fit of anger, to the sweet bliss of beating the 17-time major winner.

“If you look at the big picture, I thought I deserved it in a way, because I really fought for it,” said Djokovic, who double-faulted three times to concede the second set tiebreak after leading by a set and a break.

“I am at the prime of my career. I am going to use every part of this fact to stay where I am and to fight for as many major titles as possible.

“I don’t think these challenges that I go through and the pressure that I feel are harming me or that I find it difficult. It is a privilege because I earned it.”

Federer will not be joining Djokovic in Miami, the Swiss opting to take time off to get ready for the upcoming clay court season. The 33-year-old’s next stop will be the Monte Carlo Masters in April.

“I am looking forward to training very hard now in the next three weeks,” Federer said. “It is the key for me to get in great shape for the clay and grass court seasons.”