Hewitt blunts Raonic to set up Djokovic clash

MELBOURNE: Australia's Lleyton Hewitt defused the big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic to march into the fourth round and a showdown with Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open on Saturday.

The tigerish Hewitt, fighting back from an injury-plagued 2011, slugged out a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 win over the 23rd-seeded Roanic in 3hr 6min to set up a box office round-of-16 clash with the defending champion on Monday.

It was Hewitt's famed never-say-die spirit that wore down the Canadian serve-volleyer in their first meeting, much to the delight of a capacity home crowd on Rod Laver Arena.

Hewitt, 30, ranked 181 and playing in a record 16th straight Australian Open on a wild card, followed up his second round win over injury-hit Andy Roddick to take down another big-serving North American.

The former world number one and twice grand slam champion has now reached the round of 16 or better in Melbourne on seven occasions and was runner-up in the 2005 final to Marat Safin.

Injuries have stalled Hewitt's career and he was limited to just 20 matches last year after foot surgery last March.

Raonic, 21, had a breakthrough year in 2011, climbing 125 places in the year-end rankings as he was named the ATP newcomer of the year. (AFP)