Indian Wells, CA – In a blockbuster matchup, fifth seed Rafael Nadal topped reigning champion and four-time winner Roger Federer to earn a berth in the semifinals at the $4.33 million BNP Paribas Open.
Nadal broke the second-seeded Federer's serve four times in a 6-4, 6-2 triumph on the hardcourts at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
Nadal, the Indian Wells winner in 2007 and 2009, improved to 19-10 against Federer. Thursday's quarterfinal bout was the first between the decorated players since Federer prevailed in straight sets in the semifinals at this event last year.
Up next for Nadal will be Tomas Berdych after the sixth seed bested South Africa's Kevin Anderson, 6-4, 6-4.
Berdych became the first Czech Republic native to reach the semifinals at this tournament since Bohdan Ulirach advanced to the final in 1997.
Nadal owns a commanding 12-3 advantage in the career series with Berdych, who has lost 11 straight matches to the Spaniard.
The 2013 Indian Wells champ will collect $1 million.
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