Djokovic puts end to Tomic challenge

The pair played out a titanic battle, with Tomic aiming to become the youngest semi-finalist at SW19 since Boris Becker won the title in 1986.

But the Australian looked out of his depth when losing the first set 6-2.

The 18-year-old Tomic's form improved as the first set wore on and world No2 Djokovic inexplicably lost his rhythm before conceding the second set 6-3.

The sudden drop in standards by the Serbian was reminiscent of his demise against Marcos Baghdatis when he dropped the second set of his third-round match to the Cypriot before smashing his racquet.

There were fewer of the histrionics from Djokovic but, no doubt, similar frustrations at his loss of concentration, especially after starting the match so well.

The Australian Open champion began with a bang, breaking his opponent in the first game of the match, at the fourth opportunity.

Tomic started in an over-tentative fashion, allowing the Australian Open champion to control the rallies and although he showed great defensive skill to save the first three break points, it was only a matter of time before Djokovic found a way through. He ruthlessly exploited his younger opponent's poor movement and court position through a number of well-calculated drop shots.

The 6ft 4ins Tomic managed to grab a couple of games in the set, largely thanks to his strong serve, but Djokovic was too strong from the back of the court and broke again in the seventh game before serving out for the first set.

Despite today's defeat, it has been a hugely successful tournament for Tomic.

The world No158 had not won a single match at Wimbledon before this year but his run to the quarter-finals will make him Australia's No1, overtaking 2002 Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt.