Roger Federer is out of the US Open after a shocking fourth-round defeat to Australian John Millman at the Flushing Meadows on Tuesday morning. The defeat was Federer’s first by a player ranked outside of position 50.
“I’m probably in a little bit of disbelief,” said Millman. “He’s been a hero of mine and today he was definitely not at his best. But I’ll take it.”
Federer was hopeful of receiving what would be his 21st Grand Slam at this year’ US Open. He has, after all, won 5 titles at this same tournament. But after 3 hours and 38 minutes of playing Millman, the 37-year old Swiss lost 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (7-3) in an unexpected defeat.
Throughout the match, Federer looked tired. He served poorly and double faulted 10 times. Not even his strong serve prevented Millman from clinching what was his first win over a top 10 ranked player.
“The feet weren’t moving. Roger had it on a string, he was manipulating me around the court,” the 29-year-old Australian said. “I got out of a tough second set and really found my feet and started to be a bit more aggressive. I started to serve really well and probably capitalized a little bit on Roger having an off serve day.”
Many fans had anticipated a scintillating quarterfinal between Federer and Novak Djokovik. After all, the World No.2 came into the tournament with a 28-0 record. Overall, the Swiss had a Grand Slam record of 127-1. So, for him to lose 18 of his 24 first serves, it was a shock for fans from all over the world.
The No. 55 now has the chance to stun yet another Grand Slam Champion (Djokovic) and perhaps become the first Australian since Sam Stosur to win a Grand Slam.
