Murray Nears 500 Career Wins, to Meet Djokovic in Indian Wells Semifinals

Andy Murray moved into first-place on Britain’s Open Era match win record on Thursday, defeating 12th-ranked Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 6-4 for his 497th career victory, eclipsing Tim Henman’s 496 wins. The straight-set victory also pushes Murray into the BNP Paribas Open semifinals.

“I thought I played a good match,” said Murray. “Every time he came to the net, I made it very difficult for him. I passed very well, and that was important because it meant that he spent more time at the back of the court. When we were in the baseline rallies, I felt like I was able to dictate a lot of those points.”

Murray was fantastic on return, giving himself 13 break point chances, breaking three times and converting 43 percent of return points.

“I think he played great today,” a complimentary Lopez said afterwards. “He didn’t miss any ball almost. He was very solid, consistent. I think I needed to do something extra to win the points.”

Murray will face a familiar foe in the final four in Indian Wells when he takes on world number one Novak Djokovic. The Serb had a much easier time advancing to the semifinals, never having to take the court as Australian Bernard Tomic withdrew with a back injury.

“[It’s the] lower back connecting to the hip area and the groin,” said Tomic. “I have been playing a lot of matches on it, and it’s just very painful now. It was a tough match for me yesterday. I think playing last night with Thanasi under the medication I was on, antibiotics, has made me feel like I have no energy today.”

Djokovic and Murray haven’t played since Djokovic beat the Scot in the Australian Open final back in January. The Serb owns the all-time series between the two with a 16-8 record, with Murray’s last win coming in the 2013 Wimbledon finals.

“He will be totally fresh as well and ready for the semis, so it will be a tough one for me,” said Murray. “But I feel like I played well this week, and if I can keep that level up and for a sustained period on Saturday, I’ll have a chance.”

The other semifinal from Indian Wells will be established today as two quarterfinal matches will be played.

Third-seed and three-time champion Rafael Nadal will take on sixth-seeded Canadian Milos Raonic, while second-seed and four-time champion Roger Federer will meet ninth-seeded Tomas Berdych.