Rybakina said her Wimbledon triumph two years ago can only help her to an extent.

"I don't really think about this when I go on the court," she said. "Of course it gives more confidence, but no matter what there are still a lot of good players."

As for being a firm favourite, Rybakina said: "It feels good if people think so, but it's still far to go to the final. There are a lot of matches in front of me. Definitely I want to go far and try to win."

The 25-year-old will take belief from her most recent meeting with 21st seed Svitolina, a player she defeated in straight sets at the French Open last month.

Attempting to reach the semi-finals in SW19 for a second year running, Svitolina returns after an emotional win over China's Wang Xinyu in the fourth round.

She said it was "one of the most difficult matches in my life" after learning in the morning that Russian strikes had killed dozens of people and seriously damaged a children's hospital in her native Ukraine.

Asked if she would shake hands with Russian-born Rybakina, who changed allegiance in 2018 after receiving greater financial support from Kazakhstan, Svitolina said: "She changed her nationality, so it means she doesn't want to represent her original country, so it works."

Meanwhile, Djokovic continues his bid for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title when he takes on Australian ninth seed Alex de Minaur, who is into his first Wimbledon quarter-final.

Djokovic accused some of the Centre Court crowd of using a Holger Rune chant as "an excuse to boo" him on Monday, and he was backed up by American tennis legend John McEnroe who estimated the Serb had been disrespected at least 100 times in his career.