Rafael Nadal has defeated Roger Federer 6-4, 6-2 at the BNP Paribas Open in the biggest win for the Spaniard since his return from a seven-month layoff due to a knee injury.

Nadal needed barely 1 1/2 hours to close out the defending champion in the quarterfinals Thursday night. The Spaniard faced just two break points on his serve in the match.

Nadal returned to the ATP Tour a month ago, winning two of three tournaments on clay. Federer tweaked his back earlier in the tournament.

It was the earliest meeting between the two rivals at a tournament since they first played each other in 2004.

Earlier Thursday, defending women's champion Victoria Azarenka withdrew from the tournament before her quarterfinal against Caroline Wozniacki because of a right ankle injury.

-SAPA