Fans at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells will be treated to what promises to be some great tennis Thursday, highlighted by a match-up between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Federer, who is the defending champion, will take on Nadal in the quaterfinals Thursday night.
Both men went to three sets in their fourth round matches Wednesday, with Nadal outlasting Ernests Gulbis 4-6, 6-4, 7-5, and Federer beating fellow countryman Stanislas Wawrinka 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-5.
The tennis tournament, which will wrap up Sunday, marks Nadal's fourth tournament since taking a seven month hiatus due to injury.
Federer and Nadal were last matched up in the semifinals in Indian Wells in 2012.
"Obviously playing Rafa, it's a classic," Federer said. "We have played, you know, so many times. We know each other really well on and off the court. We know what to expect, both of us. I mean, we are both a bit suspect going into our match, I guess, you know, so it's an interesting matchup."
Federer said his back felt much better Wednesday and he was pleased he was able to compete at a high level against Wawrinka.
"Today I think I was a little lucky to come through it in the end," Federer said of the close score.
Wawrinka said he had a chance to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals.
"I was just trying to play my best game. I find a way how to play good tonight. I find my game, I was close, but not enough, and that's why I need to still go to practice and practice again," Wawrinka said.
