Roger Federer looking to win his second Masters title this year, faces a stiff challenge against David Ferrer in the quarterfinal of the Madrid Masters here in the Spanish capital.

Federer started of the year in at Doha where he pulled out of his semifinal clash against Jo-wilfried Tsonga due to injury. It was only the second time in his entire career that the Swiss had pulled out in the middle of an event. In the Australian Open, Federer was in scintillating form, but was undone in the semi-finals by a rampaging Nadal. Roger has continued to play well since and won his first ATP 1000 Masters tournament in almost a year at Indian Wells, he also claimed another ATP title at Rotterdam before that. Fed ex does have a point to prove this tournament as experts have already written him off, and are building the on-going event as a battle between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. The sixteen time Grand Slam winner said he was apprehensive of the blue clay being used at the Madrid Masters this year. A new surface however, brings in an element of surprise and hence presents a brilliant opportunity for him to answer his critics by doing what he does best. Federer has a 25-3 win-loss record this year which depicts his good form from the start of the season. Roger overcame Milos Raonic in his first match here, after warding off a stiff fight from the Canadian in three tight sets winning 4-6,7-5,7-6. In the third round Roger beat Richard Gasquet easily 6-3,6-2 to reach the quarters.

Ferrer is chasing his 15th career title and he has a very impressive 31-5 win-loss record for the season so far. Ferrer also became the first contender on tour to win three titles this season. He triumphed in Auckland, Buenos Aires and Acapulco. Ferrer reached the final in Barcelona displaying some amazing clay court tennis before falling to Nadal. The Spaniard is one of those players on tour who work hard and keep improving their game to constantly perform on tour and maintain their ranking. His journey to the quarters included a pulsating match against fellow countryman - Nicolas Almagro to win in three sets 7-6(5),3-6,7-6(8). The former Australian Open semifinalist is one of the players to watch out for on clay.

Federer has an outstanding record against Ferrer winning all 12 of their past meetings. The Spaniard will hence have a lot to prove against the Swiss.

TennisEarth predicts a hard fought win for a rampaging Federer.