Roger Federer to face Rafa Nadal at Indian Wells
Wednesday 15 March 2017 15:58, UK
Roger Federer set up a clash with Rafa Nadal at Indian Wells with a straight sets with over Steve Johnson, while world number two Novak Djokovic also advanced to the last 16 after defeating Juan Martin del Potro.
Less than two months on from the previous instalment which saw Federer claim the Australian Open with a thrilling five-set final victory over his Spanish counterpart, the pair will meet again in California.
The 35-year-old Swiss overcame American Johnson, edging a tight contest that had no break of serves 7-6 (7/3) 7-6 (7/4).
Nadal had it much more comfortable as he beat his compatriot Fernando Verdasco 6-3 7-5, to set up a 36th meeting with his great rival, who he has beaten 23 times.
"He has the talent to do very difficult things that look easy," Nadal said.
"He's able to take the ball very early. Serve and first shot, he creates a lot of winners with that, the two first shots."
Federer added: "That's why I came here, to play against guys like Rafa. Now we have it. I'm going to be excited now, I'd better be excited now otherwise I came for the wrong reasons.
"I try to see it really as another opportunity to build upon something for the rest of the season.
"So regardless of Australia, winning or losing, I'm going to try to go out there and try to play free again. I think it's really important."
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Djokovic extended his impressive winning streak at Indian Wells to 19 games after coming out on top in an epic battle with Juan Martin del Potro.
The 29-year-old, who has not been beaten at this tournament since a defeat to Del Potro in 2013, got the better of his opponent this time around, winning 7-5 4-6 6-1.
Djokovic fought back from a break down in the first set to claim it, before the Argentinian forced a decider with some incredible power hitting.
It was the Serb who showcased his famous durability, though, as he broke Del Potro twice in the third set to claim a memorable victory and set up a quarter-final tie with Nick Kyrgios.
Kyrgios won a highly entertaining contest with fellow rising star Alexander Zverev. The Australian triumphed 6-3 6-4.
Fourth seed Kei Nishikori enjoyed the easiest of run outs against Gilles Muller, winning 6-2 6-2 and setting up a quarter-final clash with American Donald Young, who beat Lucas Pouille 6-3 6-2.
American Jack Sock staved off four match points to beat Grigor Dimitrov 3-6 6-3 7-6 (9-7) while Tunisian Malek Jaziri continued his impressive run with a 6-3 3-6 6-3 win over home favourite Taylor Fritz.
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