Four-time champion falls badly to rival, 6-4, 6-2, in Indian Wells quarters

Roger Federer's title defense at the BNP Paribas Open came to a surprisingly abrupt halt on Thursday when he was hammered by his long-time rival Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-2 in the quarterfinals.

While Nadal's fitness on hard courts had been in some doubt on his return to the ATP circuit after seven months out with an ankle injury, it was Federer's troublesome back that proved the most significant factor as he was totally outplayed.