By Kamakshi Tandon

Na Li [12] vs. Daniela Hantuchova [14]Stadium 1 – 11:00 am

If there’s anywhere Hantuchova should feel good, it’s at Indian Wells – the 2002 champ won the first and (so far) only title of her career here, shocking top seed Martina Hingis in the final. This time around, Hantuchova took care of Hingis in the fourth round and then battled Peer for three hours to reach the semis.

The bad news is that she’s had two tough matches in a row and Li will be no cakewalk either. The good news is, at least Li isn’t Maria Sharapova or Jelena Jankovic, who started as the two top seeds in this section.

If she can play the way she’s been playing in her last couple of matches, Hantuchova’s ability to construct points and then put the ball away should keep her in the match against Li's solid hitting. And the good memories may kick in and carry her the rest of the way.

Winner: Hantuchova

David Ferrer [14] vs. Novak Djokovic [12]Stadium 1 – 12:30 pm

It used to be that David Ferrer could only play on clay, but he’s slowly begun to make an impact on hardcourts over the last couple of years. It used to be that Djokovic was more of a potential threat than an actual one, but he’s won two titles over the last six months and looks ready to make a run at a big event. This looks as good a place as any to make that run – Ferrer isn’t the most formidable player you could face for a Masters Series semifinal spot.

On the other hand, the courts are apparently playing slowly and Friday is supposed to be very hot, which spells trouble for the Djoker. But let’s go with him anyway, because we all want to see teen buddies Djokovic and Andy Murray play each other in the next round.

Winner: Djokovic

Sybille Bammer [33] vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova [2]Stadium 1 – 2:00 pm

Well, it would be nice to say that the mommy will continue her fairytale run here, but no matter how well Serena Williams says she can play, Kuznetsova is a tough proposition for Bammer. Still, it’d be charming if she did manage to pull it off.

Winner: Kuznetsova

Andy Murray [13] vs. Tommy Haas [9]Stadium 1 – 7:00 pm

Haas sure is carving out a nice late period in his career these days – semifinals at the Australian Open, a title in Memphis, playing Roger Federer relatively tough in Dubai. In his last match, he came out eager to avenge the Australian Open drubbing he got from Fernando Gonzalez and gave an inspired performance. That might mean a little letdown against Murray, who’s been carving out some nice results himself.

Murray should be able to handle Haas’ stylish ball-stroking and produce enough skilful shots of his own to take this first meeting between the two. Besides, we all want to see that Murray-Djokovic semifinal.

Winner: Murray