Roger Federer survived a massive scare to edge out John Millman 4-6 7-6(3) 6-4 4-6 7-6(8) to reach the Australian Open fourth round.
The Swiss maestro won the last five points of the last set tiebreak to survive a scare from a spirited John Millman to reach the second week at the Australian Open for the 18th time.
As a result of the four hour win, Federer also seals his 100th Australian Open victory in what was a dramatic battle to end a crazy day.
💯not out 👊
Congratulations @RogerFederer on recording your 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣th #AusOpen match-win.#AO2020 pic.twitter.com/aq6wDQazzB
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020
Marton Fucsovics awaits Federer next after the Hungarian’s win over Tommy Paul.
The last time Roger Federer played his Australian opponent in a grand slam, he was beaten on a hot evening in New York and there were early signs that lightning was about to strike.
Crisp, clean hitting saw Millman trouble the 20-time grand slam champion early as he moved well around the court as well as serving big.
A 4-1 lead was consumed by the Aussie as the warning signs started to ring for Federer. Meanwhile the 3rd seed struggled to find consistency with the forehand as he took a while to tactically figure out Miilman.
Although Federer managed to take advantage of his opponent’s nerves to get the break back, a loose and uncharacteristic game from Federer sealed the opening set for Millman 6-4.
There was more clutch serving and big-hitting in the second set as the world number 47 continued to play some solid tennis.
However the 38 year-old Swiss produced a much better second set as he came to the net to finish points off quicker and took the match to Millman.
The only break point of the set saw the Australian hold off Federer as the second set tiebreak loomed. Champions turn up when they need to and despite Millman’s great start, the Swiss took control and dominated the tiebreak with some sensational shots.
It was one set all and six-time champion was feeling energetic and full of life again. This energy translated into the third set as Federer used his experience to increase the pressure and intensity.
Even though it wasn’t the best day at the office for him, Federer was still able to produce his best tennis when it mattered.
However Millman, incredibly, was able to match it at times and produced a few sensational points to hold from break point down to level at 4-4.
Eventually the Australian’s resolve was broken and a rare unforced error sealed a two sets to one lead for the 2018 champion who was still furious at himself.
Even though Federer had taken control, he wasn’t playing his best tennis as his forehand was becoming a liability with 16 unforced errors occurring in the fourth set.
Meanwhile Millman seemed energised as he was moving around the court and defending the ball like his life depended on it.
A break in the seventh game was enough as Millman ensured that late night drama would happen on a Friday night in Melbourne as he sealed the fourth set.
The momentum was with the Australian as he broke in the third game with some stunning returning before Federer immediately broke back in what was a tense contest.
On the march to another #AO2020 upset…@johnhmillman breaks Federer to lead 2-1 in the fifth and deciding set.
Not near a 📺?
Look no further: https://t.co/Zv5E602auT#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/DIdvMZYNqS— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020
Both men was struggling to find the consistency needed to dominate the final set as Federer struggled to break his opponent down.
Two good opportunities to seal the crucial break came and went for Millman as some clutch serving ensured Federer continued to survive in this contest.
As the match continued, Federer’s forehand unforced errors continued to mount and cost him in big moments under pressure.
Nobody could find the breakthrough needed, so a 10 point tiebreak would be played out to decide the winner. In the end it was Millman who played the more controlled and dominating tennis to secure a historic win and a place in the fourth round.
After the match, Federer praised Millman’s efforts, “Where to start … John played a great match, he’s a great fighter, a great guy and it came down to the wire. Maybe a bit of luck. I had to stay so focused to make the right decisions. What a match, John deserves over half of this one,” Federer said in his on-court interview.
In the end, experience paid dividends for Federer as he came back from 8-4 down in the tiebreak to survive a huge test and win the last six points of the tiebreak to book his place in the second week of the Australian Open.
Next up for Federer is Marton Fucsovics on Sunday.
