Nadal saw off the Argentine 30th seed

The Spanish world number two prevailed in a battle of baseline power-hitting against the Argentine 30th seed.

Roddick saw off world number eight Ivan Ljubicic 7-6 7-6 and is yet to face a break point in four matches so far.

Like Nadal's match it was a tight battle of big hitters with Roddick edging the tie-breaks 9-7 and 10-8.

Nadal and Roddick have not met since the 2004 Davis Cup final in Seville, a match which Spain's Nadal dominated.

606: DEBATE I think Roddick will beat Nadal and win the Indian Wells title GJ

"We played three years ago but he wasn't the Nadal that he is now," said Roddick, 24.

"I understand that he passes well and that he moves real well, but I have to move forward and have to play aggressive against him.

"I was excited because I was playing the way I wanted to in the breakers. I gave myself a chance to win and eventually was able to do it."

Two-time French Open champion Nadal is tipped to win the event following the surprise exit of top seed Roger Federer on Monday.

The 20-year-old world number two is chasing his first title since winning at Roland Garros last year and says he is close to returning to his best form.

"I'm having the best moment of the season and it's only the fourth tournament," said Nadal.

"I feel so much better than the last months right now and I am in the semifinals."