Six-time champion Roger Federer survived an epic five-set marathon to seal his 100th Australian Open win Friday, fending off a huge challenge from John Millman. But it nearly didn't happen against the 47th ranked Australian Millman, who memorably beat Federer over four gruelling sets in the round of 16 at the US Open in 2018. One of the fittest players on tour, Millman matched Federer game for game in the opening set until the ninth, when he pounced, converting a second breakpoint when he pounded a forehand winner. But Federer then blew it, broken to love thanks to poor serving to hand Millman a one-set lead. They shared breaks in the tense decider and it went to a tiebreak with Federer looking dead and buried at 8-4 down.

Source: Punch January 24, 2020 14:40 UTC