Djokovic surges into Wimbledon fourth round

Wimbledon, London: Serbian third seed Novak Djokovic surged into the fourth round at Wimbledon with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 victory against Spain's Albert Montanes on Friday.

Djokovic was involved in the latest finish in Wimbledon history on Monday when his first round win over Olivier Rochus was concluded under the Centre Court roof at 10:58pm.

But the 2008 Australian Open champion has been in hurry-up mode since then and Montanes went the same way as Taylor Dent, who was crushed in three sets by the Serb in the previous round.

Montanes was seeded 28th here but the Spaniard had never been past the third round at the All England Club in eight previous appearances.

The 29-year-old has fared no better at any of the other three grand slams and Djokovic, who had won the pair's previous three meetings, was quick to take the upper hand as he broke for a 3-1 lead.

Another break followed soon after as Djokovic won the first set in commanding fashion.

There was no let-up from the Serb as he broke again in the first game of the second set when Montanes missed a routine forehand.

Djokovic continued to hold serve with complete authority and that was all that was required to clinch the set.

When Djokovic pummelled another winner to break at the start of the third set the contest was effectively finished.

He can now look forward to a clash with former Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt or France's Gael Monfils in the next round.