John Millman reflects on massive win over Felix Auger-Aliassime at home

There's no place like home! Proud after his victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime, an emotional Brisbane native John Millman shared the joy and happiness with the crowd at Pat Rafter Arena, earning the first point for his country against Canada in the second tie of the ATP Cup. Just like against Germany, Australia emerged at the top and the home team looks good to reach the quarter-final and continue the competition in Sydney next Thursday. Stepping in instead of injured Nick Kyrgios, John Millman took down world no. 21 Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 6-2 in an hour and 41 minutes to deliver the first point for Australia, earning the first victory of the season and hoping for more of the same during the Aussie swing. It was a grueling battle with two 50-minutes sets and it was the Aussie who had the upper hand in the pivotal moments, repelling eight out of nine break chances and earning four breaks that pushed him over the top.

The youngster was off to a better start, wasting three break chances in the second game before stealing the rival's serve next time around to forge a 3-1 advantage. John pulled the break back in the very next game when Felix sprayed a forehand error, leveling the score at 3-3 with a hold at love and securing another break in game seven to move in front. Serving for the set at 5-4, Millman fended off a break point with a service winner and closed the first part of the match with an ace for a 6-4 after 51 minutes. The Aussie broke in the third game of the second set following a loose backhand from Auger-Aliassime, cementing the advantage with a service winner and delivering another break at 4-2 to move closer to the finish line. Serving in the next game, John defended two break opportunities and sealed the deal with a service winner to clinch the first point for Australia before the clash between Alex de Minaur and Denis Shapovalov. 

"It's never easy when you're not expecting to play, but any opportunity to come here and play in front of a home crowd - I've been lucky to play on all courts in all venues all around the world, and there's no place like home. I love playing here in front of the Queensland crowd."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2MZMGey