The top-ranked Swiss player saved two break points when trailing 3-1 in the first set, then won the next four games to take the set. Nadal advanced after beating 10th-seeded Tomas Berdych 6-0, 7-5.

Federer, a 10-time Grand Slam champion, struggled early against the 2003 French Open champion, but one lucky point turned the first set in his favor.

After saving one break point in the fifth game, Federer tried a drop shot on the second and the ball clipped the top of the net before rolling slowly onto Ferrero's side of the court.

Federer put up a hand to apologize, and went on to beat Ferrero for the seventh time in 10 meetings.

Twice during the match the umpire had to appeal for quiet from the fans.

"It did not bother me," Ferrero said. "I had enough to worry about with Federer."

Nadal, who lost his previous three matches to Berdych, conceded just seven points in the opening set.

Berdych rallied in the second set and pressured Nadal on his serve for three consecutive games, but the Czech player could not get the break he needed.