Novak Djokovic recovers from first set calamity to reach Wimbledon quarterfinals

The 24-time major winner responded emphatically to an error-ridden first set to see off De Minaur in three hours and 18 minutes on Centre Court.

The 38-year-old Djokovic will now face Flavio Cobolli in the last eight after the Italian's 6-4 6-4 6-7 7-6 victory over Marin Cilic.

Djokovic made 16 unforced errors on the way to dropping the opening set with just a single game on the board, De Minaur converting the second of three set points.

The Serb came storming back though and sealed the second set with the volley at the conclusion of another see-sawing baseline rally.

The Serb was again in trouble later on, trailing 4-1 in the fourth set and staring at another break point, only to fight back and ruthlessly deny De Minaur a decider.

"Alex has been an established top 10, or 15, player for the last couple of years," said Djokovic afterwards.

"I've never faced him on this surface. I was slightly nervous coming into this match and that reflected on my game in the first set. It was a very difficult encounter."

READ MORE: Wimbledon: Cameron Norrie claims innocence following heated exchange with Nicolas Jarry