On this day: Roger Federer enters exclusive 'Club 100' for the second time

After 21 consecutive years in the Australian Open main draw, Roger Federer will miss the season's opening Major in February, deciding not to travel Down Under and planning to return in March. Roger hasn't played since the last year's Australian Open, struggling with a knee injury and undergoing two surgeries in February and May. On this day 12 months ago, Federer secured a massive Major milestone, becoming the first player with at least 100 victories at two different Major events. After Wimbledon, Federer added the Australian Open to that impressive collection following a thrilling 4-6, 7-6, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 third-round win over John Millman in over four hours. Roger stood on the verge of defeat in the deciding match tie break, trailing 8-4 before rattling off six straight points to emerge at the top. Federer won three points more and scored three breaks, losing serve four times but finding the way to celebrate a win. Millman made a strong start and grabbed two breaks in the opener for 6-4.

The Swiss lost only five points behind the initial shot in set number two, mounting the pressure on the other side and taking the tie break 7-2 to level the overall score. Continuing in the same style, Federer won the third set with a break in game ten and moved a set away from the finish line.

Roger Federer scored the 100th Australian Open win a year ago.

Millman served well in set number four and stole Roger's serve at 3-3 that carried him over the top and set a decider. They traded breaks in games three and four and stayed neck and neck following a couple of deuces on Millman's serve in game 12 for a deciding match tie break.

The home player opened a 3-0 lead after some loose shots from the Swiss, who won the next two points to remain in touch. Millman moved 5-2 in front with a couple of good serves, with Roger's response in the following two points. A beautiful volley winner pushed Millman 6-4 in front, landing a forehand down the line winner to take a big step towards the finish line. A forehand crosscourt winner delivered another mini-break for the Aussie, who finally lost a point on serve to keep Federer within a 6-8 deficit. Using his vast experience, Roger earned another mini-break and won the next point to move 9-8 up, creating the first match point. He converted it with a forehand winner to seal the deal and forge one of his most thrilling Melbourne victories and celebrate the 100th one Down Under.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3obQTv5