Federer too good for Nadal, sets up quarter-final clash against in-form Kyrgios
Roger Federer produced a stunning performance to crush Rafael Nadal in the BNP Paribas Open fourth round on Wednesday.
The Swiss maestro was in devastating form at Indian Wells, cruising to a surprisingly comfortable 6-2 6-3 victory in just 68 minutes.
The win marked the first time in their 36 meetings Federer has beaten Nadal three consecutive times.
Federer had battled past Nadal in a thrilling Australian Open final in January to claim his 18th grand slam.
However, their last-16 clash at the ATP 1000 event was far different.
Resurgent Roger
Four-time champion @rogerfederer wins 3rd straight match vs Nadal for 1st time in career, 6-2 6-3 advances to #BNPPO17 QF pic.twitter.com/Z8c3AKOrbB
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 16, 2017
Federer was clinical – converting four of five break points – and in complete control from the baseline, pushing 14-time major champion Nadal onto the defensive throughout in the pair’s earliest meeting since their first – the third round of the Miami Open in 2004.
He mixed 26 winners with 17 unforced errors, the four-time champion setting up a quarter-final clash against Australian Nick Kyrgios.
Federer took control from the outset against Nadal, breaking in the opening game before a blistering backhand winner saw him go 4-1 up.
After grabbing the opener, Federer broke for 2-1 in the second set, Spaniard Nadal largely powerless to stop his great rival.
Federer maintained that break until the ninth game, when he secured a second to seal victory with an incredible backhand return winner.
