22:45 UPDATE: Players coming on court soon
The players are expected soon on court. The match is slightly delayed because the women’s singles final ran over.
Amazingly, Bianca Andreescu because the first wildcard in Indian Wells history to win the title today.
She downed Angelique Kerber 6-4 3-6 6-4 in a thriller in California.
Andreescu, from Canada, is just 18 years old.
22:19 UPDATE: Good news for Thiem
Daniela Hantuchova and Greg Rusedski reckons Thiem could have the advantage over Federer because of the weather in California today.
“From Thiem’s point of view he will love the conditions,” Rusedski said.
“It’s hot the the ball will be kicking. I don’t think Thiem will be so nervous.”
Hantuchova then said: “If Thiem made a list of his ideal conditions, this would definitely be it.
“This is one of the most difficult ones to win (on the Tour) because of the difference of conditions.
“They are perfect for him but he needs to be much more aggressive to win.
“If he does not do that then Federer will dominate him.”
22:05 UPDATE: Thiem gunning for victory
Dominic Thiem is confident he can beat Federer in the Indian Wells final today.
“I was preparing here for 12 days before the tournament,” Thiem said. “That helped, of course, a lot.
“This surface and also the one in New York, for example, it suits me pretty well because it’s bouncy, especially during the day.
“It’s not too fast, so it’s a little bit more similar to a clay court. The biggest adjustment is the moving, that I cannot slide around.
“It’s always something special to play him [Federer] and also something special to compete in a Masters 1000 final. It’s only my third one.
“I know it’s going to be very tough, but same time, I will give everything to hopefully win my first title.”
21:55 UPDATE: Federer walkover
Roger Federer did not play in the semi-finals here at Indian Wells because Rafael Nadal – his opponent – withdrew injured.
“Rafa texted me a message saying, ‘It’s not going to be possible, my knee’s not well and I can’t do it’,” Federer said.
“I went back to the house and relaxed.”
21:45 UPDATE: Federer vs Thiem head to head
Federer boasts a W2 L2 record against Thiem from their four previous meetings.
They first met in the Brisbane semi-finals back in 2016, when Federer secured a 6-1 6-4 win.
Thiem then beat Federer at both the Rome Masters and Stuttgart Open later that year.
They last met in 2018 at the ATP World Tour Finals, where Federer clinched a 6-2 6-3 win.
21:30 UPDATE: Welcome
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Roger Federer vs Dominic Thiem.
Federer is the favourite to win his clash at Indian Wells and secure a 101st ATP Tour title.
But Thiem has twice beaten Federer from their four previous meetings – so this promises to be a close clash in California.
And you can follow all the action LIVE right here with Express Sport!