Federer powers into Indian Wells final

INDIAN WELLS: World No. 3 Roger Federer booked an Indian Wells final showdown with American John Isner.

Federer used an ace on match point to seal a 6-3, 6-4 victory over world number two Rafael Nadal as the two renewed their epic rivalry with their first meeting at the Indian Wells Masters.

One of the sport's great rivalries was on display in the second semi-final between 16-time Grand Slam winner Federer and reigning French Open champ Nadal which started three and a half hours late and was played in difficult windy and rainy conditions.

Federer even had a few extra minutes to think about what turned out to be his final ace after officials pulled the players off the court because of rain just as he held match point leading 5-4 and 40-30.

He returned a few moments later and hammered the final nail in the coffin -- a 125 mph ace that ended the one hour, 31 minute match.

Nadal and Federer had met 27 times previously but never before on the hardcourts at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Nadal has the edge over his Swiss foe having won 18 times, including four of the last six.

This marks their second meeting this year after Nadal beat Federer in the semi-finals at the Australian Open. (AFP)