INDIAN WELLS, California - Novak Djokovic eased into the Indian Wells semi-finals with a 6-2 6-4 victory over Frenchman Richard Gasquet on Friday, extending his perfect record this season to 16-0.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot against Richard Gasquet of France during their match at the Indian Wells ATP tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, March 18, 2011.  [Photo/Agencies]

The Australian Open champion survived early service breaks by the Frenchman in each set to seal the win in one hour 35 minutes on the showpiece stadium court at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

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In bright sunshine, Djokovic came from 0-3 down in the second set and capitalised on a rising tally of unforced errors by his opponent to book his place in the last four of the elite ATP Masters 1000 event.

He will next meet either three-times champion and second seed Roger Federer or his Swiss compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka who were scheduled to play their quarter-final later on Friday.

"It's been the best period of my tennis career definitely the last three months, winning a grand slam, the Davis Cup and playing really well here on the court at Indian Wells," a smiling Djokovic said courtside.

"I want to maintain this level of performance by winning tomorrow."

The 23-year-old Serb claimed his second grand slam crown at the Australian Open in January and his 20th ATP title at last month's Dubai championships.

Spanish world number one Rafa Nadal and Argentine Juan Martin del Potro had each booked their places in the last four on Thursday.

Left-hander Nadal battled past big-serving Croat Ivo Karlovic 5-7 6-1 7-6 while del Potro advanced when Spaniard Tommy Robredo pulled out before their quarter-final with a strained left abductor muscle.