Reuters: Roger Federer stayed on course to face long-time rival Rafael Nadal when he beat Hubert Hurkacz 6-4 6-4 in the BNP Paribas Open quarter-finals at Indian Wells, California on Friday (March 15).

Federer broke his 67th-ranked Polish opponent once in each set and that was all the Swiss needed to prevail in just over an hour on the outdoor hardcourt.

It was the first match between the pair and far from one-sided, as Hurkacz had two break points but could seize neither.

Next up on Saturday for fourth seed Federer will be his 39th career encounter with Nadal, provided the Spaniard wins his quarter-final against Russian Karen Khachanov later on Friday.

The other semi-final will match Austrian seventh seed Dominic Thiem and Canadian 13th seed Milos Raonic.

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