ANDY MURRAY set a new record for Open-era wins by a British man after easing past Feliciano Lopez to reach the semi-finals at Indian Wells.

The world No.4 equalled Tim Henman's 496-victory mark in beating Adrian Mannarino yesterday and moved clear with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Lopez.

Murray, 27, is now unbeaten in 10 career meetings with the Spaniard.

Novak Djokovic awaits in the last four after the Serb's quarter-final opponent Bernard Tomic withdrew due to injury.

Lopez's dismal record in career meetings with Murray never looked in any danger of being reversed as the Scot took control of the match from the outset.

Comfortable holds of service were a feature for Murray as Lopez failed to find his rhythm, and a single break of serve in the fourth game proved sufficient to take the opener.

Murray broke early in the second set before finally being asked a few questions in the next, holding break points before moving 3-1 ahead.

He unlocked the Lopez serve for a third time on the back of two wonderful shots. First, a superb passing return set up break point, which he converted moments with a perfect lob to the back of the court.

Murray wobbled briefly when serving for the match at 5-2, allowing Lopez a first break of the contest, but he held in the next to get over the line.

"It was a good match in difficult conditions against a tough opponent," Murray said. "I passed very well today and it stopped him from feeling comfortable at the net.

"It kept him back and I was able to dictate the points. I've got my level back to where I was before my back injury."

A rested world No.1 now lies in wait after Djokovic progressed without hitting a ball due to the withdrawal Australian 32nd seed Tomic, who has a back injury.

"Against him you're going to have a play a high-quality match," said Murray.

"I'll have to play extremely well. He'll come to it fresh with a couple of days' rest."