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Djokovic emerged a 6-3 6-4 5-7 7-5 victor on Centre Court as he aims to lift a 25th grand slam title just weeks after undergoing knee surgery. 

The seven-time Wimbledon champion had to wait until the eighth game to finally earn a break point against the world number 277, claiming the first set soon after. 

Fearnley continued to impress, again going toe-to-toe with the Serbian, but was undone by a sole break once more as he found himself two sets down. 

However, the Edinburgh-born star would roar back in the third set, serving five aces along the way to put pressure on the world number two. 

Despite Fearnley's spirited display in a close fourth set, Djokovic's class would prove too much, ending a three-hour encounter with a strong forehand on match point.

"I was not really comfortable in my own skin in the third and fourth sets," said Djokovic, who was relieved the match did not go the distance.

"Sometimes you have rough days where you are maybe not feeling your best.

"Of course it depends on your opponents across the net. Jacob played at a high level and he made me earn this victory.

"He played very good tennis and deserves a great round of applause. It was a great effort from Jacob, he played great. I had not had a chance to see him play until two days ago. There is always an element of surprise and nothing to lose.

"Playing him at Wimbledon was always going to be tough. Most of the British players grow up being exposed to grass courts, quick surfaces, so they know how to play.

"I thought he served very well. It was very difficult to break his serve. He made me work. I was probably a bit lucky in the fourth not to go a break down.

"I could have won the match in three but this match potentially deserved to go into a fifth, with the way he played in the fourth. But I am very glad it didn't."

Djokovic will play Alexei Popyrin in the next round of the competition as he continues to build up his fitness.

"On my side, I should have done some things better when I was a break up in the third," he said.

"Can I be playing better and moving better? Absolutely. I hope as the tournament progresses I'll be feeling much better."

Djokovic's quest for a major title in 2024 continues after he showcased the class that has already seen him reach nine Wimbledon finals. He has now reached the third round an astonishing 18 times at the tournament, tying the record held by Roger Federer.

The Serbian, however, was made to work for the victory. The world number two faced six break points but was able to save four of them. 

Fearnley can be proud of his efforts. The Briton won 71 percent of his first-serve points against Djokovic, while also serving 13 aces during the contest.