Australian Open: Roger Federer defeats John Millman in five-set thriller
Roger Federer has entered the round of 16 of the Australian Open 2020. The Swiss defeated John Millman 4: 6, 7: 6 (2), 6: 4, 4: 6 and 7: 6 (8). Federer faces Marton Fucsovics in the round of 16 on Sunday.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Jan 24, 2020, 02:51 pm
On the day when Serena Williams , Caroline Wozniacki and Naomi Osaka, three greats of women's tennis said goodbye to the Australian Open 2020, Roger Federer also had to push himself to the limit. And at least the Swiss man was able to end his working day successfully: after just over four hours of play, 20-time major winner John Millman defeated 4: 6, 7: 6 (2), 6: 4, 4: 6 and 7: 6 (8th).
Memories of the pair's game at the US Open 2018 were awakened early in the match: Millman had surprisingly prevailed in four sets under the most difficult conditions. And the local hero also used Federer's first weakness and served safely after the break to 5: 4. The following two sentences went to the Swiss, who however weakened a little in the fourth sentence. Especially with the forehand, with which he made an unusually large number of mistakes. Millman got the sentence equalized.
Djokovic wins, Tsitsipas loses
In the decision, Millman initially had the lead with a break to 2-1, Federer countered immediately. And fought off two more chances of his opponent in the seventh game. However, Millman did not give up, equalized a potentially dangerous 0:30 at 3: 4. A few moments later Federer was only two points away from winning the match, Millman kept his nerve. At 5: 6, the outsider first awarded a 15:40, then another game ball. And still made it into the match tie-break. An appropriate end for this encounter.
Millman started with a mini break, quickly turned 3-0. Federer stayed on. At 4: 2 for Millman the sides were changed for the first time, the local favorite moved to 7: 4. Then the next mini break followed, Millman could already smell the victory. But Federer managed two mini-breaks in a row - Millman was only 8: 7. Federer won both service points and got the first match point.
Marton Fucsovics is now waiting in the next round. The Hungarian had no problems with a tired Tommy Paul, won in three sets. Just like defending champion Novak Djokovic against Yoshihito Nishioka. Co-favorite Stefanos Tsitsipas , who lost Milos Raonic, was eliminated.
Here is the single tableau in Melbourne
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