Federer was gifted his spot thanks to a severe bout of food poisoning experienced by his scheduled opponent Nick Kyrgios. Sock reached there the traditional way, through winning a tennis match.
Having already eliminated Grigor Dimitrov in three sets earlier in the tournament, Sock dismissed fourth seed Kei Nishikori, also in three sets.
Sock has lost both his matches against Federer, including a fourth round encounter in this same tournament two years ago. Maybe the third time will be different.
The 2017 women's final will be an all Russian affair, something unseen in Indian Wells since 2006 when Maria Sharapova defeated Elena Dementieva.
This year, Svetlana Kuznetsova will play Elena Vesnina for the title.
Kuznetsova outlasted the highest seed left in the event, Karolina Pliskova (3) in two tie breaks. Pliskova fought back from two breaks down in set one, and 6-2 down in the tie break, only to lose the set on her own serve.
The second set was a close fought battle but Kuznetsova played a much better tie break. Pliskova was unable to convert her powerful serve into sufficient free points, and Kuznetsova was more creative with her shot making.
Elena Vesnina gave Kristina Mladenovic the slip in both sets of their semi final, only to see her lead evaporate each time thanks to some fine tennis from the French racquet. As she has throughout the tournament, though, the Russian 14th seed held firm.
The first set was highlighted by a solid first serve from Vesnina and an ability to win a great share of points off the Mladenovic delivery.
Set two and Vesnina claimed a two break advantage, serving for the match at 5-2. Mladenovic broke back and began controlling the quality exchanges. A second attempt to serve out the match was handled far better, and Elena Vesnina won her spot in the most prestigious final of her career, 6-3 6-4 the score.
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