Possible Nadal-Federer Quarterfinal at Indian Wells

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal could meet in the quarterfinals at Indian Wells. All this and more was revealed Tuesday afternoon at the official draw ceremony.

By Chris Oddo

(March 5, 2013) -- Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer could meet in the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open, meaning that the two tennis luminaries could meet before the semifinals at a tournament for the first time in 9 years.

Thanks to his 223-day absence, Nadal comes in as the World No. 5, which allowed for the possibility of him being drawn into the same quarter as any of the world's top four players when the Men’s Singles draw was held late Tuesday afternoon in Indian Wells, California.

2012 Australian Open finalists Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, along with Juan Martin del Potro and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, were drawn into the top half of the draw, while Federer, Nadal, Ferrer and Berdych were all drawn into the lower half.

Enticing first-round matchups feature 20-year-old Ryan Harrison versus Japan's Go Soeda and Australian sensation Bernard Tomic against Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil.

American and World No. 15 John Isner, a finalist last year, has been drawn to face Roger Federer in the round of 16. Federer defeated Isner to claim his fourth BNP Paribas Open title last year.

Check back later for a full men's draw preview.

Read Erik Gudris's women's singles draw preview here.

(Photo Credit: Natasha Peterson/ Corleve)