Tennis: BNP Paribas Open-Nadal v Dolgopolov
Tennis: BNP Paribas Open-Nadal v Dolgopolov Reuters

Alexandr Dolgopolov shook up the draw at Indian Wells, California after beating Spain’s Rafael Nadal, 6-3 3-6 7-6(5) in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open 2014. Nadal was the top seed in the prestigious tournament at Indian Wells, California.

After two more wins against higher-seeded players the Ukrainian found himself in the semifinals against yet another top seed and popular player: Roger Federer.

Federer defeated Dolgopolov, 6-4, 5-2 (retired) in the pair's only head-to-head meeting in their career in 2010.

When asked of the rise of the lower seeds, it appeared that the former best player in the world knows about the challenge and is prepared to face them.

“Well, they have to prove it. I mean, one tournament doesn't do it all for me yet. I mean, it's nice they believe more in it, and it's nice that they take Stan (Wawrinka) as an inspiration. That's great. That's what it's supposed to be,” said Federer after his quarterfinals win over Kenny Anderson of South Africa.

Meanwhile, Dolgopolov is also confident of his chances of winning two more matches in California and win the title.

“We'll see. Why not? I played good for three weeks. I'm quite fresh. I felt good physically today.
I'm confident enough to come out and play good tennis. Then who knows, you know? I beat a lot of good players around here, so I wouldn't see why not win more matches,” said Dolgopolov.

Meanwhile, John Isner of the United States of America will try to serve the upset as well against second seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the other half of the semifinals.

In six meetings, Isner actually has gotten two matches off perhaps the best player in the world today.

BNP Paribas Open 2014 Semifinals Betting Odds

Alexandr Dolgoplov (Ukraine) vs. Roger Federer (Switzerland)
 Match Odds: Dolgopolov (3.56) vs. Federer (1.30)
Game Handicap: Dolgopolov (+3.5) vs. Federer (-3.5)

John Isner (USA) vs. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) Betting Odds
 Match Odds: Isner (5.80) vs. Djokovic (1.14)
Game Handicap: Isner (+3.5) vs. Djokovic (-3.5)

Watch the BNP Paribas Open 2014 Semifinals via the official site.