If I were asked to rank how the players played in their quarterfinal matches, hmm, I think I would go in this order.

1. Roger Federer

In his win over Juan Martin del Potro, Federer moved as well as I’ve seen in a while, and was pulling out magic tricks.  It’s hard to evaluate this win because I feel del Potro is not quite there yet.  Until he starts beating the top four, I’m not convinced he’s back to where he was in 2009 where he beat Nadal twice and Federer twice.  Intriguingly, Djokovic and Murray have had good lick beating the tall Argentine.

Even so, del Potro is surely a solid, say, number 6, in the mix with players like Berdych and Tsonga.  Plus, Federer has had a huge win streak, though he’s only beaten one player in the top four, which is Rafael Nadal at the year-end championship.  He didn’t meet Djokovic or Murray during his win streak.

2. Novak Djokovic

This is a tough call.  David Ferrer is not nearly as dangerous as, say, Tomas Berdych, but he is relentless.  Watching this match showed how much focus Djokovic has.  When dealing with the pressure that Ferrer can exert, Djokovic can direct the ball so precisely, either down the line or out wide, and do it time and again.  Given how steady and dogged Ferrer is, Djokovic just withstands what Ferrer has to offer, and pressures Ferrer back.

The one concern is Djokovic’s health.  How is his hamstring?  How is his breathing?  Did Ferrer inflict a wound on Djokovic like he may have against Murray in the semifinal meeting last year?  Djokovic says he’s fine.  Is he?

3. Rafael Nadal

I think Rafa’s performance was similar to Djokovic.  He played a guy with a big serve, hitting the ball big and well, and had to fend off Berdych’s aggressive groundstrokes.  Berdych won a close tiebreak, then lost a close tiebreak, until Nadal just outlasted the tall Czech.  Berdych looked good in his loss.  He hits harder than Federer, almost a Soderling-style player, and yet Federer has found ways to beat him, occasionally.

4. Andy Murray

Murray probably had the easiest match in the quarterfinals, but he also had the weakest opponent.  Nishikori is an up-and-comer, but he played two five setters and a close four setter in last three rounds, and also had to team up to play mixed doubles.  Murray didn’t serve well, and it felt like he leaned on his crosscourt shots, unable to pull the trigger down the line.

Tonight: Federer vs. Nadal

Despite looking in great form, Federer doesn’t seem like he’s nearly as ready as Nadal.  If Federer is going to win, his serve is critical.  Nadal fended off a power player by getting tough shot after tough shot back and eventually winning the match.  I don’t feel del Potro challenged Federer as much as Berdych challenged Nadal, and despite his barrage of hard shots from Berdych, Nadal got through.

If Federer can serve well and throw Nadal off because of it, then maybe he’ll win, but I slightly favor Nadal.  Federer can win if he avoids silly errors, and Nadal is a bit off his game.