Federer sets QF showdown with Del Potro

Three-time Indian Wells champion Roger Federer found himself down a set for the second straight match Wednesday, but rallied for a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Thomaz Bellucci in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open.

Federer converted his third break of the match in the final game to advance in one hour and 41 minutes, securing his 73rd straight win against opponents ranked outside the Top 20.

"I really struggled to make the transition from yesterday's match. I was quite surprised, but at the end I found a way, dug deep and came through," said Federer. "It's really important. At the end of the day, these are the wins that sort of almost feel better, to be quite honest, because when you're playing great, it's simple, and it's easy."

The Swiss is looking to win his first title at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden since lifting his third consecutive trophy in 2006. In the final eight, Federer will square off against No. 9 seed Juan Martin del Potro.

Date: 15.03.2012, Source: ATP