Federer and Nadal's hilariously awkward pre-match moment

Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal were driven to court for their clash at Indian Wells in the same cart, and the great rivals wouldn't even look at each other.

Both tennis champions were intent on maintaining their focus for the fourth round match.

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As you can see in the video above, Federer walked up to the cart and realised Nadal was already sitting in the back.

Two absolute champions. Image: Getty

But with the Spaniard facing towards the back of the vehicle, Federer hopped in the front and they didn't even look at each other.

It made for some pretty hilarious viewing as the cart drove off and both men stayed staring straight ahead, refusing to acknowledge each other's presence.

Federer, who added another chapter to a storied rivalry with Nadal with an epic Australian Open triumph in January, dismantled the Spaniard 6-2, 6-3 to advance.

It was the first time since their first meeting in 2004 that Federer and Nadal had met before the quarter-finals of a tournament, and oddity of the rankings that had them and Novak Djokovic - with 44 Grand Slam titles among the three of them - all grouped in the same quarter of the draw.

Federer will now face Aussie Nick Kyrgios, who beat Djokovic for the second time in two weeks.