Novak Djokovic of Serbia advanced after a 6-2, 6-4 win over Richard Gasquet of France, while Roger Federer went through after defeating fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 6-3, 6-4.

"I expected a difficult match against Stan, we know each other so well so there is no secrets really," said Federer, who will drop to third in the ATP rankings if he loses his semi-final against Djokovic.

"I think every match we play is always important," added Federer. "I just want to go out there and do well. I have not done well the last two times I have played against him but hopefully I can turn the tide."

Australian Open champion Djokovic survived service breaks early in each set to claim victory in just over one and a half hours.

"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," said Djokovic.

"I want to maintain this level of performance by winning in the semi-final."

Top seed Rafael Nadal plays Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro in the other semi-final on Saturday.