Millman wins over America with gutsy display against Djokovic
He may have lost the match, but John Millman won a whole new legion of fans against Novak Djokovic.
The Aussie hero couldn’t back up his incredible upset of Roger Federer on Thursday (AEST), going down to Djokovic 3-6, 4-6, 4-6.
‘DISRESPECTFUL’: Controversy erupts over McEnroe’s treatment of Millman
However Millman put up an almighty fight and made Djokovic work hard for the victory in more hot and humid conditions.
After a slow start in which he trailed 0-3, Millman found the incredible form that helped him shock the tennis world with his win over World No.2 Federer.
But the fairytale run came to an end on Thursday, with Djokovic showing his class to see off the fiesty Aussie.
The New York crowd appeared to be on Millman’s side, roaring with delight after a number of brilliant winners.
American great John McEnroe even warmed up to the Aussie after causing controversy by completely writing him off in commentary as the match started.
Fans also flocked to social media to praise the 29-year-old for his gusty effort.
Whatever be it, Millman is such a fighter, gotta love the fighting spirit, down two sets and 2-3 in the third #USOpen
— anjali banerjee (@anjali_banerjee) September 6, 2018
Can someone please look up the definition of "Grinder" and let me know if Millman's picture is in there?#USOpen
— USOPENGOLF-FL (@usopengolfFL72) September 6, 2018
Millman is a fighter,great player for the future. If he can be consistent, Djokovic is just far too good for him #USOpen
— ice DC (@DCcontroversial) September 6, 2018
He's winning NYC crowd & commentators over with his relentless fight & refusal to yield. Wants to grind Novak down by extending points as long as possible, then go for it when opportunity presents. Incredible mental strength & composure from @johnhmillman again so far. https://t.co/MMMMsydejj
— Jason Bennett (@Aussies_Abroad) September 6, 2018
Millman came to play…..again.
Love it
— Patrick McEnroe (@PatrickMcEnroe) September 6, 2018
John Millman is actually brilliant.
— George Bellshaw (@BellshawGeorge) September 6, 2018
Lots of Millman's fans in the stadium…
— Luciahoff (@luciahoff) September 6, 2018
Lot of people going to be asking John Millman for his training regiment moving forward
— Nick Nemeroff (@NNemeroff) September 6, 2018
So much for this match being over quickly. Djokovic takes the first set 6-3 over Millman in over an HOUR. Millman is making this a physical, grueling match with long rallies. His game has increased tremendously heading into the second set#USOpen #USOpen2018
— Lukas Weese (@Weesesports) September 6, 2018
MILLMAN I WILL MARRY YOU!!
— Paul (@thentherespaul) September 6, 2018
Millman and De Minaur play like the Aussies I remember growing up. Humble, relentless grinders who never get tired and will out effort you every time. Love it. #USOpen
— Tennis Nerd Podcast (@TennisNerdPod) September 6, 2018
Djokovic’s victory vaults him into a last-four meeting with rejuvenated 2014 runner-up Kei Nishikori.
Despite the loss, Millman has secured himself a life-changing $660,000 prize for reaching the quarters.
Bizarre scenes as Millman’s sweaty shorts stop play
The match ground to an astonishing halt at 2-2 in the second set when the umpire gave Millman permission to leave the court to change his sweat-soaked clothes.
A break in play of six and a half minutes saw 13-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic remain on the court as Millman — who apologised profusely to Djokovic — disappeared.
“I could do with a rest,” said Djokovic.
Djokovic used the break to send a ballboy over to his box in the stands seeking to get some tablets he said his wife had brought to the tournament for him but which had somehow not made it into the bag he took on court.
Like his match against Federer, Millman fell behind early against Djokovic.
He couldn’t find an answer for Djokovic’s returns and was pushed around the court in each of his service games – one game lasting more than 16 minutes – to fall behind 4-1.
Millman upped his game late in the set, saving four more break points and earning one of his own to level the set. But he couldn’t capitalise and Djokovic took the first set 6-3.
Millman kept up the pressure even when Djokovic tried to shorten points with drop shots.
He fended off another seven break points in the second set but couldn’t stop Djokovic from converting on the eighth to take the two-set lead.
Djokovic’s momentum only grew as he took the early break once again. But up 3-2, he received two time violations and Millman broke back for a 4-3 lead.
Djokovic regained his focus and won the last three games to finish off Millman in two hours and forty nine minutes of grueling tennis.
Millman racked up 46 unforced errors while his opponent had 53 of his own to just 24 and 29 winners respectively.
Djokovic converted just four of his 20 break points, but it was his returns and serves that made the difference.
He won 73% of points when he got his first serve in and 66% when he got his second serve in while forcing Millman to play almost 30 more points in his service games.