Novak Djokovic described his nerves during his BNP Paribas Open final win over Roger Federer as "completely normal".
The Serbian world number one looked in control at Indian Wells on Sunday, up a set and a break.
But he gave up that lead and went on to serve three double faults in the second-set tie-break, only to regroup and clinch a 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 win for his 50th ATP World Tour title.
Djokovic said his nerves, which almost proved very costly, were normal.
"We are all humans,” he said.
"We all fall under pressure sometimes. It's completely normal, even though I have had so much experience. Roger, as well. Today at 3-2 in the third, he made a double fault to give me the break.
"So it does happen; it's normal on this level with this kind of intensity and competitive spirit that is out there, it happens that you fail sometimes."
World number two Federer said it was a match he would be forgetting quickly, with the Swiss great labelling Djokovic a deserved winner.
"I’m not going to look back on that match, on that moment very long. That will be forgotten probably in 25 minutes or so," he said.
“When I walk out of here, I will be like, ’It was a good tournament.’
"I had a great run, a good start to the season, and wished and hoped I could have won today. Novak was tough and he played very well. He deserved it, and I will respect that."