Novak Djokovic
Djokovic prevailed to reach his 25th straight grand slam quarter-final. Getty Images

World number one Novak Djokovic recovered from two sets down for just the fourth time in his career to defeat Kevin Anderson in five sets and reach the quarter-finals at Wimbledon.

Djokovic and Anderson were locked at two sets all overnight after bad light had curtailed their fourth-round match on Court 1, with one set needed to decide who would go on to face US Open champion Marin Cilic.

Anderson, who had stormed into a two-set lead before being pegged back, failed to convert two break-point chances in game four and the South African was made to pay as Djokovic broke in game 11.

The Serbian served out the match in conclusive fashion to win 6-7 6-7 6-1 6-4 7-5 and reach a 25<sup>th straight grand slam quarter-final, bringing life to his hopes of retaining his crown at the All England Club.

Cilic, who has never beaten Djokovic in 12 career meetings including last year's Wimbledon quarter-final, overcame American Denis Kudla on 6 July to reach the last eight.

"Kevin served exceptionally well and I found that it was one of the most difficult matches I have played, maybe in my career," Djokovic told BBC Sport.

"At times I was really helpless with my return. I found it really difficult to read his serve. He was really aggressive, I tried to defend, tried to use the opportunities on second serves. It was high quality tennis in that fifth set.

"I was two sets down, to come back and win in five gives me great satisfaction and confidence for the next challenge. It was frustrating at times but I managed to go through and that is what matters.

"It is not something we commonly experience on a daily basis but again it is what it is. I congratulate Kevin for a great effort, It would not be undeserved if he would win this match."