The majestic mountain backdrop was apt atmosphere for Juan Martin del Potro to regain his peak play.

Del Potro denied three championship points dethroning defending champion Roger Federer in the Indian Wells final for his first Masters 1000 crown.

Del Potro: Tennis Misses These Guys

While Federer still leads their head-to-head-series 18 to 7, del Potro has won four of six finals meetings vs. the Grand Slam king, including a five-set comeback triumph in the 2009 US Open final.

Del Potro has risen to No. 6 in the rankings as he sets sights on eclipsing his career-high ranking of No. 4 set back in 2010.

Federer says del Potro, who endured four wrist surgeries, including three on his left wrist, has regained the level of play he showed pre-surgery.

"I feel like he looks good on the backhand now. Basically to his old self, really," Federer told the media after seeing his 17-match winning streak snapped. "Yeah, I mean, I just think it was, for him, probably a confidence thing, you know, on the backhand side.

"But what's interesting is that he put himself out there with no double-hander almost, but just happy to slice and still take losses, I guess, you know, because he knew it was going to probably not be enough against some players, but he was happy enough playing this way, which I admire a lot.

"Over time he got more and more confident, and now he's here and he's won a Masters 1000. It's a great story. That's why I'm also very happy for him today."

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