INDIAN WELLS, California - Rafa Nadal produced vintage form against an out-of-sorts Roger Federer, crushing the Swiss 6-4 6-2 in their heavily anticipated quarter-final at the BNP Paribas on Thursday.

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against Roger Federer of Switzerland during their men's singles quarterfinal match at the BNP Paribas Open ATP tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, March 14, 2013.[Photo/Agencies]

The Spanish left-hander, competing in his first hardcourt event since his return from seven months on the sidelines with an ankle injury, outplayed his long-time rival with a sharp display at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Nadal broke the defending champion once in the first set and three times in the second to wrap up victory in one hour 24 minutes in front of a packed house on the Stadium Court.

The Spanish world number five improved his record against Federer to 19-10 and will next face sixth-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych, who swept past big-serving South African Kevin Anderson 6-4 6-4 earlier in the day.

Roger Federer (L) of Switzerland leaves the court after losing to Rafael Nadal (R) of Spain in their men's singles quarterfinal match at the BNP Paribas Open ATP tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, March 14, 2013.[Photo/Agencies]