Top seed Novak Djokovic slipped and slid his way into the Wimbledon semi-finals on Wednesday, overcoming Marin Cilic and the distractions of Henman Hill to win 6-1 3-6 6-7(4) 6-2 6-2 with the help of a new pair of shoes.

The Serbian former champion began efficiently against the lofty Croat, rattling through the first set in 27 minutes on a sunny but subdued Court One.

The crowd had half an ear outside Court One where spectators watching the big screen on the hill whooped and groaned through champion Andy Murray's defeat by 11th seed Grigor Dimitrov.

Djokovic's intensity dropped in the second set. The world No.2 lost his footing several times in the baseline dust and his Croatian opponent grabbed a break of serve in the fourth game using his big forehand to pummel the six-times grand slam champion.

"We could hear the crowd during the match and it was a bit distracting; but no excuses, we had to concentrate," Djokovic said.

"I said to the chair umpire, Let's just stop the match, put it live on the big screen, and let's watch it till they're done. It's going to be better for all of us."