Roger Federer has admitted that Novak Djokovic was able to find an "extra gear" during their meeting in the final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.
The Serbian won the match 6-3 6-7 6-2 to clinch the first ATP Masters 1000 title of the year, but Federer insists that the world number one doesn't hold the edge in their personal rivalry.
He told reporters: "I have beat him the last couple times. It is not like I lost 10 in a row. A lot depends on how well he serves and returns. We usually play in finals so we are both peaking at the same time.
"Novak did well to sustain the lead for most of the match. I think he found an extra gear in the end. Controlled aggression was the key out there."
Federer will now take a short break from tennis before returning for the clay-court season in April.
