Nadal, Federer cruise into quarterfinals at Indian Wells

WASHINGTON, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Three-time champion Rafael Nadal and five-time champion Roger Federer both earned a berth in the quarterfinals at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells on Wednesday, one step away from another possible classic clash in the semis.

The second-seeded Spaniard secured a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Serbia's world no. 113 Filip Krajinovic to make his first Indian Wells quarterfinal in the last three year, but he was not satisfied with his performance on the court.

"I probably played a little bit worse today than yesterday," Nadal said. "But in general terms [it's] been a positive victory again."

The world number two will face Karen Khachanov in the quarters, after the Russian saw off John Isner of the United States, 6-4, 7-6 (1).

It took Roger Federer just over an hour to storm past 23rd seed Kyle Edmund of Britain 6-1, 6-4, moving closer to his sixth Indian Wells title.

The 37-year-old Swiss will be up against a newcomer to the tournament quarterfinals, Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, who ousted 24th seed Denis Shapovalov of Canada 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-3. Should he and Nadal triumph over their respective opponent in the quarters, the fans could have a chance to admire another blockbuster in the semifinals.

The other two quarterfinals will see Austria's Dominic Thiem play against France's Gael Monfils and Canada's Milos Raonic and Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic fight for a semifinal ticket.

In the women's quarterfinals, Canada's 18-year-old Bianca Andreescu had an overwhelming 6-0, 6-1 victory over Spain's two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Muguruza in 52 minutes to make her maiden Premier Mandatory semifinal.

"Amazing is an understatement," said Andreescu, who is playing her first season as a professional.

Standing in the way to her first Indian Wells final is Ukraine's sixth seed Elina Svitolina, who managed a comeback victory 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 over Czech Marketa Vondrousova later on Wednesday.

"She plays great tennis. I think she moves good, and I have to be ready," Svitolina said. "I will just try to bring my best game for the semifinal."