Unseeded John Millman stuns his ‘hero’ Roger Federer at the US Open
Roger Federer’s hopes of winning his first US Open title since 2008 will continue for at least another year after he was beaten by John Millman in the last 16.
The five-time champion looked like he would claim another routine win after he won the opening set, but the unseeded Australian stormed back to win a 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (7-3) in three hours and 35 minutes.
Absolutely stunning upset as @johnhmillman defeats Federer 3-6, 7-5, 7-6, 7-6 under the lights in Arthur Ashe Stadium!
Millman’s first top ten victory lands him a spot in the QF against Djokovic…#USOpen pic.twitter.com/4DPEOJpJw7
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 4, 2018
It was an error-strewn match from Federer, who suffered his earliest US Open exit since losing in the fourth round in 2013, as he made 77 unforced errors compared to the 28 from Millman.
However, the 20-time Grand Slam winner did look like he would take the match to a decider as he broke first in the fourth set, but the world No 55 hit back immediately with a break of serve and then consolidated things.
Millman then got his nose in front with two mini-breaks in the tie-breaker and, after squandering a couple of match points, served things out to set up a quarter-final clash against Novak Djokovic.
“I felt like a bit of a deer in headlights to begin with, to be honest with you. The feet weren’t moving,” the Australian said.
“I have so much respect for Roger and everything he’s done for the game. He’s been a hero of mine, and today he was definitely not at his best.”
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