NOVAK DJOKOVIC survived a Court One shoot-out with Kevin Anderson yesterday morning to keep the defence of his Wimbledon title going.

Big-serving South African Anderson had taken the first two sets of the Court One clash on Monday evening before Djokovic battled back to level and force a deciding set, which was held over until Tuesday due to fading light.

Djokovic experienced some nervy moments on the resumption, fending off break points, before sealing a 6-7 (6/8) 6-7 (6/8) 6-1 6-4 7-5 fourth-round success, breaking decisively in the 11th game as Anderson’s served faltered.

The world number one will face US Open champion Marin Cilic on Wednesday in the quarter-finals.

Djokovic called it “one of the most difficult matches I’ve played at Wimbledon.“At times I was really helpless with my return.

It was very difficult to read his serve. He was very aggressive.“I congratulate Kevin for a great effort. It wouldn’t have been undeserved if he’d won this match.”