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Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have not met in 2018, but the legends are only one match in the semi-finals of BNP Paribas Open. First, they will each face tough challenges in the quarterfinals at Indian Wells.
Five-time champion Federer will face Hubert Hurkacz, ATP Master 1000's first quarter-finalist, while Nadal, seeded second, will face 2018 Rolex Paris Masters champion Karen Khachanov.
"I hope to get there, but I will not underestimate Hubert," Federer said. "Rafa looked supreme this week. He is also clearly going to be a favorite against Khachanov, but Khachanov has played a good match all the while against [John] Isner. I think it will also be a test for Rafa, but the same for me with Hubert. I do not think we were looking too far. "
In Hurkacz, Federer faces an unknown enemy. Apart from a training session at the Rolex Shanghai Masters last October, they never clashed. Hurkacz was not at the same time as the ATP Top 200. But he improved his game, qualified for the ATP next generation final in Milan and is now in the last eight at Indian Wells.
Hurkacz is 6 "and serves well, but it also moves impressively for its size. Pole No. 1 has already ousted Lucas Pouille, semifinalist of the Australian Open, Kei Nishikori, sixth seed, and Denis Shapovalov, Canadian of #NextGenATP, and seeks to overthrow his idol, Federer.
"I watched his big games. This is an amazing player. He had amazing results, "said Hurkacz. "Win as many tournaments as tournaments, yes, it's special. It will be fun to play against him. "
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Nadal will face Khachanov in one of the most memorable rematch of 2018. In the third round of the US Open, Nadal needed four hours and 23 minutes to beat the mighty Russian in four sets .
The second seed leads the FedEx ATP Head2Head series 5-0 and has won 12 of the 13 sets played. But Khachanov showed Flushing Meadows that when he was at his game, he could challenge anyone in the world.
"I think it was one of the best games of last year and in general, maybe, in terms of fighting, wit, intensity, rallies, atmosphere. Everything was incredible, "Khachanov said. "He is one of the best tennis players, excellent champion. And nothing to lose, say. You know, I play better. Feel more confident It will be a good challenge, a good match for me. I am really looking forward to having a good match against him. "
Check out the schedule of Friday at the Open BNP Paribas:
ORDER OF PLAY – FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019
STAGE 1 departure 11am
H. Hurkacz (POL) vs [4] R. Federer (SUI)
Not before 13:30
[12] K. Khachanov (RUS) vs [2] R. Nadal (ESP)
[6] L. Kubot (POL) / M. Melo (BRA) against N. Djokovic (SRB) / F. Fognini (ITA)
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