Roger Federer cruises past Rafael Nadal to reach Indian Wells quarters

The Swiss, who found a new lease of life at the Rod Laver Arena in January this year, by defeating Nadal in the summit clash of the Australian Open, had his task cut out yesterday to show the world that the Aussie Open victory was not a one-off and he still has it in him to win big matches. With a quarter-final spot at stake, Federer came out all guns blazing right from the start.

Nadal was struggling to put any sort of pressure on Federer's serve while being hustled and hurried on his own. The Spaniard was finally put of his misery when Federer broke him for the fourth time in the match to book a place in the quarter-final of the event. The victory also marked the first time that Federer has beat Nadal three times in a row in their 36 head-to-head meetings. After winning the game, Federer said that it was a nice feeling to win three consecutive matches against Nadal, who has generally dominated the contests between the two players. 

"All the matches that we have played are unique in many ways for both of us, winning or losing. So I take it. Obviously can't celebrate too long this time around. I have to get back to work in a couple of days," Federer said after the game.

The Swiss will now take on Nick Kyrgios in the quarter-finals after the Aussie youngster beat the top seed, Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the earlier game. Federer said that he is very impressed with Kyrgios’ ability calling him a big-match player. 

"That's maybe going to take a bit more time, but just that he can run through tournaments, that's why he can win tournaments because when it matters the most against the best and in finals, he's there. Eventually, he will need that, but that's a great quality to have already now.”