Andy Murray thrashed by Novak Djokovic in Indian Wells semi-final

Andy Murray was comprehensively beaten by Novak Djokovic 6-2 6-3 in the BNP Paribas Open semi-final in Indian Wells.

Murray struggled to find the formula to solve his Serbian opponent's incredible defence and in just under an hour-and-a-half the British No 1 lost to Djokovic for sixth time in a row.

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Murray had been impressive en route to a first Masters 1000 semi-final since his win in Miami two years ago, but he had no answer against the world No 1 in the desert.

Murray beat Djokovic in the Wimbledon final in 2013 but has not done so since, Djokovic extending his head-to-head advantage to 17-8 with this victory.

The defending champion is trying to become the first player to win consecutive titles since Roger Federer claimed three straight, beginning in 2004.

"I just played solid," said the Serb. "I expected a battle with Andy but he wasn't on the high quality he usually is. He made a lot of unforced errors today."

Murray won the toss and elected to receive serve but it did not pay off, Djokovic holding comfortably before breaking Murray at the first time of asking.

He held firm up to 4-1 and had his second break in game six when Murray netted a forehand.

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Murray gave himself some hope by getting a break back, a superb point setting him up at 15-40 even if the game was clinched with a fortuitous net cord.

But he crashed straight to 0-40 on his own serve and Djokovic was ruthless, taking advantage of his first set point and consequently all three of his break points in the set.

The second set saw Djokovic break in the second game, aided by a stunning lob to Murray's backhand corner which sent the game to deuce.

Murray had to work hard in his next service game before holding, and Djokovic then saved two break points to go to 4-1 and on to 5-2.

Murray slipped from 30-0 up to 30-40 and was facing a match point, but forced Djokovic to serve the match out.

The Serbian set up three more match points at 40-0 and though he let two slip away - the first with a double fault - he eased across the line.

Murray said he got off to a slow start and then couldn't get his serve up and running.

"I wasn't feeling sluggish," he said. "He didn't make many errors. I didn't serve so well today compared to how I served in the rest of the tournament.

"That makes things difficult against the best players. Novak didn't give me any free points at the beginning of either set."

Djokovic will face Roger Federer on Sunday as he attempts to retain his title in the California desert.