"Blistergate" derailed the only previous meeting between the Swiss and the South Korean, in the semifinals of this year's Australian Open. A much-anticipated match-up between a 36-year-old legend and a 21-year-old upstart ended almost before it began, when Chung was felled by foot blisters.
Let the anticipation begin again, because this could be a competitive and entertaining quarterfinal. Chung has regained his Melbourne form in Indian Wells, straight-setting two quality veterans, Tomas Berdych and Pablo Cuevas, in his last two matches. Federer has been almost as efficient in his three straight-set wins, though he did show a hint of vulnerability against Federico Delbonis in his opener. Chung, a heavy hitter, and a younger hitter, should be better positioned to make Federer pay for any dips in form on Thursday.
Winner: Federer