Roger Federer made a shock exit from the U.S. Open on Monday after the five-times champion was beaten 3-6 7-5 7-6(7) 7-6(3) by unseeded Australian John Millman in the round of 16.
Millman, ranked 55th in the world, was dominated by Federer in the first set but turned the tables on the Swiss to take the second then held his nerve through two tiebreaks to secure the win in three hours and 34 minutes.
The Australian said he froze in the first set but was able to take control by relying on his fighting qualities.
“Felt like a deer in the headlights to begin with, to be honest,” he said courtside.
“I’ve got to control the controllable and the one thing I can control is the fight in me. I’ve always brought the fight up.”
Second seed Federer, who had not dropped a set in his first three matches in New York, had 77 unforced errors and 10 double faults and landed just 49 percent of his first serves.
Millman said the victory had yet to sink in.
“I’m probably in a little bit of disbelief. I have so much respect for Roger and everything he’s done for the game,” he added. “He’s a hero of mine. Today he was not at his best but I’ll take it.”
Next up for the Australian is a quarter-final match-up against sixth seed Novak Djokovic.
Day 8, Monday, Sept. 3
Men’s Singles results
John Millman def. No. 2 Roger Federer, 3-6, 7-6, 7-6(7), 7-6(3)
No. 6 Novak Djokovic def. Joao Sousa, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3
No. 7 Marin Cilic def. No. 10 David Goffin, 7-6(6), 6-2, 6-4
No. 21 Kei Nishikori def. Philipp Kohlschreiber, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5
Day 9, Tuesday, Sept. 4
Men’s Singles schedule
No. 1 Rafael Nadal vs. No. 9 Dominic Thiem
No. 3 Juan Martin del Potro vs. No. 11 John Isner