Federer and Nadal set up rematch of Australian Open final, Latest Tennis News - The New Paper
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Federer and Nadal set up rematch of Australian Open final

Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal powered to third-round wins at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells yesterday morning (Singapore time) to set up a mouth-watering rematch of their recent Australian Open final.

Fifth-seeded Nadal defeated fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 7-5, while ninth-seeded Federer served impeccably to get past American Stevie Johnson 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/4) and book the 36th showdown of their famous rivalry.

The last time they met, Switzerland's Federer claimed an 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-time 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) and 2013 (Juan Martin del Potro).

"History says that this tournament works well for me," said Nadal, who holds a 23-12 winning record over Federer.

Federer has also enjoyed his time at Indian Wells, winning four times with the last triumph coming in 2012.

The duo met this morning.

Meanwhile, three-time defending champion Novak Djokovic ran off the last five games to overcome big-hitting Juan Martin del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 in a bottom half of a draw stacked full of top players.

Djokovic next meets young Australian Nick Kyrgios, who defeated the Serb at this month's Mexican Open on his way to the semi-finals. - REUTERS

Roger FedererRafael Nadalaustralian open