Australians are preparing for an epic ‘David versus Goliath’ showdown between giant of the game Roger Federer and up and coming Aussie star and “nice guy” John Millman in the next round of the US Open.
In what will be Millman’s biggest match of his career, the 29-year-old Queenslander will fight it out against the all time favourite as he competes for the first time in a major.
While he may not have received much attention in the past, the competitor is quickly gaining fans including his competitor Federer.
Claiming he is a “big fan of John”, the world number two praised the Aussie during an interview published by The Australian,labelling him a friendly and hardworking guy.
Unlike some of the other Aussie young guns such as Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic who have gained a lot of negative attention, Millman has made a name for himself as the “nice guy”.
Defeating Mikhail Kukushkin 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, the young Aussie had to be booted off the court because there were so many people lining up for autographs and photographs.
“I had some great support out there today. It was really fantastic and I just wanted to make sure that anyone who was cheering me on and wanted anything signed, I would do so,” The Australian reported he said.
Meanwhile Federer impressed fans with one of his best shots during a match against Kyrgios, leaving the Aussie player absolutely gobsmacked.
Read more: Kyrgios’ priceless reaction as Federer pulls off incredible shot in US Open
In one of his most astonishing shots yet, Federer, 37, managed to pull off an around-the-net-post forehand winner. Shooting the ball at an acute angle, inches from the ground, Federer managed to slice it round the edge of the net and landed it in court in front of a shocked Kyrgios who was seen gasping: “Oh my God”.
Despite the applause and gasps from the crowd, as well as his opponent, Federer appeared as cool and calm as ever as he flashed a small smile and walked back to the end of the court ready to commence play again.
“It was almost unreal,” Kyrgios reportedly said after the match, adding: “If anyone else is doing those shots against me, I’m probably not too happy. But it’s Roger.”
Will you be watching the Federer vs Millman match?