World No. 2 Rafael Nadal and world No. 3 Roger Federer set up their first semi-final clash at the Indian Wells ATP Masters with contrasting victories over Argentinian opponents on Friday. Nadal, who is chasing his first title of 2012, survived an opening set scare en route to a 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 win over David Nalbandian in their quarter-final match. Swiss star Federer had a much easier time, rolling to a 6-3, 6-2 win over a frustrated Juan Martin del Potro in the joint WTA/ATP tournament in the California desert. Federer and Nadal have met 27 times previously with Nadal having won 18, including four of the last five. “We played 27 times. It will be the first time here at Indian Wells,” Nadal said. “Tomorrow I have a fantastic match to enjoy and to try to play aggressive.” Added Federer, “I have had some great matches with him all around the world by now.” But this will be the first time 16-time grand slam winner Federer and reigning French Open champ Nadal will meet on the hardcourts of Indian Wells.
