Federer survives scare to face Del Potro in final

World No. 1 Roger Federer extended his season win streak to 17 matches, booking his spot in the Indian Wells Masters final by rallying past Borna Coric 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.

The Swiss superstar survived a stern test from world number 49 Coric but managed to hold on for a 17-0 record this year, surpassing his prior career-best calendar year start in 2006 when he opened with 16 wins.

"It took a while to get the record," Federer said. "But I'm happy. It was just a fighting match .... It didn't come easy, so I had to go get it.

"I got a little bit lucky. I hung tough and put a lot of effort into it to get the record.

"The focus has to be the finals right now. But it's nice to get off to a good start this year, and I hope I can play well again tomorrow."
"But for that you need to have a very positive mindset. You need to be match-tough, you need to be confident, have experience, and I think I have a bit of all of that right now."
"I got a bit lucky. It was a good match."
- 'Easier than expected' -
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"It was an easier match than I expected."