Hewitt goes down fighting

Novak Djokovic dragged himself into his first Wimbledon quarter-finals after fighting off a stubborn fightback from former champion Lleyton Hewitt.

The Serb triumphed in three tie-breakers 7-6 (10-8) 7-6 (7-2) 4-6 7-6 (7-5) to book a date with Marcos Baghdatis in a marathon match on Court One.

Djokovic appeared to be cruising into the last eight after taking the first two sets but a brief rain delay and problems with his back slowed his momentum as Hewitt briefly rallied before succumbing in four sets.

Hewitt failed to muster a single point in the Serb's opening four service games as Djokovic dominated matters but it was he who had the first opportunity to break, but some superb serving averted the danger.

The number four seed held avoided three set points in the tie-breaker and seized the initiative when Hewitt went long.

He gained an immediate break in the second - the first of the match - but Hewitt has never been scared of a fight and squared things immediately.

Hewitt, 26, was finding excellent length with his groundstrokes, making it increasingly difficult for Djokovic to come into the net.

It went with serve to force a second tie-breaker and two early mini-breaks put the Serb firmly in control before another unstoppable backhand sealed the set.

But Hewitt hit back to take the third after a brief rain interruption on Court One.

It took 2 hours and 11 minutes for the conditions to again leave their mark on SW19 with Djokovic 2-1 ahead on serve.

The show court was noticeably more full on resumption with much of the crowd rooting for the Australian, victorious here five years ago.

The support seemed to spur him on and after surviving one break point to level at 3-3 he who gained the decisive break a game later at the second attempt, confidently whipping a top-spin forehand beyond the Serb before serving out.

Djokovic was struggling and called the trainer for treatment to his lower back.

The Serb had Hawkeye to thank on one occasion when his passing shot was deemed good at break point.

There was nothing to choose between the pair as the tennis fluctuated from desperate to delightful in the space of a shot.

Twice they exchanged service breaks in the set as well as having further opportunities to break before a third tie-breaker.

Djokovic quickly seized control and sealed victory at the third attempt when Hewitt could only find the net.