Unseeded Australian journeyman John Millman has caused one of the greatest upsets in US Open history after a scarcely believable three-sets-to-one victory over unbackable favourite Roger Federer.
The 6-3, 7-5, 7-6, 7-6 win propels the previously unheard of Australian to the quarterfinals – against Novak Djokovic – in what has easily been the most successful grand slam of his career.
The heavily pro-Federer crowd were often stunned into silence by Millman’s feats and, while the Swiss master did give them plenty to cheer about throughout the match, the Flushing Meadows faithful had no choice but to applaud the Australian’s efforts once all was said and done.
The 29-year-old was given absolutely no chance by pundits or media coming into his match against the Swiss second seed – and he looked to be in for an ugly evening after dropping the first three games with barely ten minutes gone.
He fought back in that first set, eventually falling 6-3, but carried that newfound momentum into the second and third sets.
With Federer appearing slightly hampered – potentially by illness – Millman found a new level to take both sets 7-5, 7-6 and set up the potential of an incredibly unlikely upset.
He played with poise unbecoming of an unseeded player, going toe-to-toe with his highly-fancied opponent in a classic affair – even saving two set points in the second.
Federer struggled to serve for the latter three sets – posting an uncharacteristic eight double faults. Millman outfoxed the veteran on several occasions close to the net too – daring to go down the line with Federer often gambling on a shot down the middle.
The third set tiebreaker, in particular, took an eternity to complete.
Despite falling behind early in the fourth set – as well as battling a borderline hostile crowd that even cheered one of his double faults – the underdog was able to rally once more and claim a memorable victory with a masterful effort in the fourth set tiebreaker.
Millman was humble in his post-match celebrations, claiming Federer had always been a hero of his and recognising the 20-time grand slam champion “wasn’t at his best”.
The American lost her cool during match against Lucia Bronzetti, first at the officials who made her play on a court she believed was…
After a double fault saw Novak Djokovic exit the Monte Carlo Masters to Casper Ruud at the semi-final stage, the Serbian's hopes of a…
Alex de Minaur has missed out on the chance of a lifetime to beat Rafael Nadal on clay in successive tournaments, blown away by…
Former Wimbledon champion, double grand slam winner and Australian Open finalist Garbine Muguruza has announced her retirement from tennis at the age of 30.…
Rafael Nadal has hailed the brilliance of Alex de Minaur, calling him "a great player" after the Australian forced the Spanish legend to say…
The clay season promises to be one of high level and tight margins. With the Monte Carlo open just around the corner, it will…
