QUARTERFINAL SHOWDOWN
Nadal, Federer set up California clash with wins
Indian Wells — Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal powered to third-round wins at the BNP Paribas Open on Tuesday to set up a rematch of their recent Australian Open final. Fifth seed Nadal defeated fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-3 7-5, while ninth seed Federer served impeccably to get past Stevie Johnson 7-6(3) 7-6(4) and book the 36th showdown of their famous rivalry. The last time they met, Federer claimed a record 18th Grand Slam title in a rousing 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 triumph over Nadal in Melbourne in January. Federer, 35, lost only five points on his first serve in his double tie-breaker win over Johnson in a match completed without a service break. Fourteen-times Grand Slam winner Nadal, 30, was comfortable as usual in the California desert, dismissing compatriot Verdasco to keep his Round of 16 date with the Swiss maestro. It was the 50th win at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for Nadal, who has lifted the trophy three times, in 2007 (over Novak Djokovic), 2009 (Andy Murray) an...
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