Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal will be in action against Kei Nishikori in the quarter-final of the BNP Paribas Open 2016 Getty

Spaniard Rafael Nadal will take on Japan's Kei Nishikori in the quarter-final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells on 18 March, Friday.

Where to watch live

The match is expected to start at 7pm GMT. Live coverage of the game in the UK is available on Sky Sports 5 and Sky Sports 5 HD. Live scores and real time updates are available on the ATP World Tour's official website.

Overview

Former world number one Rafael Nadal's journey at the Indian Wells Masters continues, as he takes on Japanese Kei Nishikori in the quarter-final on Friday. The three-time champion who won the BNP Paribas Open in 2007, 2009 and 2013 beat Alexander Zverev in the fourth round 6-7, 6-0, 7-5 to reach the last 16.

Nothing is certain with Nadal these days but after surviving three hard-fought encounters in the tournament so far, he goes into the tie as the favourite to get past the quarter-final stage for the first time in three years.

Kei Nishikori
Kei Nishikori is currently ranked number five in ATP Tennis rankings Getty

World number five Kei Nishikori comes into this game after beating John Isner 1-6, 7-6, 7-6. However, he has not impressed so far at Indian Wells, with the surface not suiting his game. In fact, he has made the round of 16 just once in seven previous attempts at the BNP Paribas Open.

Nishikori has not done too well against the 14-time Grand Slam champion either, winning just once in their eight meetings so far. The 26-year-old is yet to win a career ATP title and it does not look like he will break that duck on 18 March.

Betting odds (betfair)

  • Rafael Nadal to win: 20/21
  • Kei Nishikori to win: 3/4

Head-to-Head

The duo have met eight times in ATP history with Nadal winning on seven occasions. They last played in the quarter-final of the Canadian Open in 2016 where Nishikori shocked Nadal to win the tie 6-2, 6-4.

PNB Paribas Masters History

Nadal and Nishikori have not faced each other at Indian Wells.