The marquee match-up on Friday will see world number five and 17-time grand slam winner Federer take on long-time rival Nadal, the world number three.
Nadal, whose grand slam resume lists 12 titles, and Federer will clash for the 31st time, adding yet another chapter to what will go down as one of the sport's all-time great rivalries.
Nadal battled away to defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 on Thursday, while Federer, the five-time defending champion in Cincinnati, needed three sets to see off evergreen German Tommy Haas 1-6 7-5 6-3 as he struggles to build some momentum going into the U.S. Open after missing the start of the North American hardcourt season with a sore back.
Nadal has been in superb form coming off a win Montreal and ran his hardcourt winning streak to 12 matches.
"Always play against Roger is a special feeling," said Nadal, who has reached the finals in 10-of-11 events he has entered this season, claiming eight titles.
"We have a great history behind us in our confrontations, so it's another quarter-finals.
"It's a special one because you're playing against a very special player. Our matches were very special always.
"But, again, it's a quarter-finals match, not the final, so that's a big difference."
World number three Nadal remains undefeated on hardcourt this season after winning titles in Indian Wells and last week in Montreal while Federer has been struggling this season.
Federer is bidding for a sixth title at the tournament while Spaniard Nadal played in the semi-finals in 2008 and 2009.
Source: AFP
