INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — For the first time in four years, Novak Djokovic is without a big title to start the year.

Or any title.

The Serb is used to arriving at the BNP Paribas Open with the Australian Open in his back pocket, having won the season’s first Grand Slam three straight years.

He lost in the quarterfinals in Melbourne in January, and then lost in the semifinals at Dubai.

“That is a different feel from previous years,” he said.

So Djokovic is especially eager to hoist the trophy at Indian Wells, where he’s a two-time champion.

He took a step toward that goal with a 6-1, 6-3 quarterfinal victory against Julien Benneteau in just over an hour on Friday.