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Federer faces Hurkacz, Nadal plays Khachanov
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal did not meet in 2018, but the legends are one match from doing so in the BNP Paribas Open semi-finals. First, they’ll each have to overcome tough quarter-final challenges in Indian Wells.
Five-time champion Federer plays first-time ATP Master 1000 quarter-finalist Hubert Hurkacz, while second seed Nadal takes on 2018 Rolex Paris Masters champion Karen Khachanov.
“I hope I can get there, but I'm not going to underestimate Hubert,” Federer said. “Rafa looked supreme this week. He clearly also goes in as favourite against Khachanov, but Khachanov played a good match just now against [John] Isner. I think that's also going to be quite a test for Rafa, but same for me with Hubert. I don't think we're looking too far ahead.”
In Hurkacz, Federer faces an unfamiliar foe. Outside of one practice at last October’s Rolex Shanghai Masters, they have never stood across the net from one another. This time last year, Hurkacz was outside the Top 200 of the ATP Rankings. But he improved his game, qualified for the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan, and is now in the last eight in Indian Wells.
Hurkacz stands 6’5” and serves well, but he also moves impressively for his size. The Polish No. 1 has already ousted Australian Open semi-finalist Lucas Pouille, sixth seed Kei Nishikori and #NextGenATP Canadian Denis Shapovalov, and is seeking to oust his idol, Federer.
“I watched his great matches. He's an unbelievable player. He’s had amazing results,” Hurkacz said. “Winning that many Grand Slams, tournaments, yeah, for sure, he's special. It's gonna be fun to play against him.”
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Nadal will face Khachanov in a rematch of one of the most memorable matches of 2018. In the third round of the US Open, Nadal needed four hours and 23 minutes to beat the big-hitting Russian in four sets.
The second seed leads their FedEx ATP Head2Head series 5-0 and has won 12 of 13 sets played. But Khachanov showed in Flushing Meadows that when he’s on his game, he could challenge anyone in the world.
“I think it was one of the best matches from last year and in general, maybe, in terms of fight, spirit, intensity, the rallies, the atmosphere. Everything was amazing,” Khachanov said. “He's one of the best tennis players, great champion. And nothing to lose, let's say. You know, I'm playing better. Feeling more confident. It will be a good challenge, good match for me. I'm really looking forward to have a good match against him.”
Watch Live
VIEW ORDER OF PLAY - FRIDAY, 15 MARCH 2019
STADIUM 1 start 11:00 am
H. Hurkacz (POL) vs [4] R. Federer (SUI)
Not Before 1:30 pm
[12] K. Khachanov (RUS) vs [2] R. Nadal (ESP)
[6] L. Kubot (POL) / M. Melo (BRA) vs N. Djokovic (SRB) / F. Fognini (ITA)