Inspired seventh seed Rublev snatched the opening set but it was akin to poking a sleeping grizzly bear as Djokovic exacted painful punishment to stay on track for a fifth straight title.
Rublev played brilliant tennis that would have accounted for pretty much any other player in the world.
But it was not enough to stop the 36-year-old Djokovic reaching his 46th Grand Slam semi-final, equalling the record of eight-time champion Roger Federer.
But before Rublev had even had time to process his lead he was 5-0 down in the second set as Djokovic bounced back.
The second seed was in control as he broke serve early in the third set but Rublev was not done.
Persons:
Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Russia's Andrey Rublev, Andrew Couldridge, Novak, Andrey Rublev, Rublev, Roger Federer, Roman, Federer, Serena Williams, I've, Djokovic, he's Novak, Martyn Herman, Ken Ferris
Organizations:
Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Russia's Andrey Rublev REUTERS, Wimbledon, Thomson
Locations:
London, Britain, Italian, Russian, Serbian