Millman relishing Rafa match-up
TENNIS: Win or lose, John Millman is cherishing the chance to complete one of the most prestigious hat-tricks in tennis history in New York tonight.
When Millman squares off with Rafael Nadal in the first round of the US Open, the popular Australian will become the first man to have gone head-tohead with tennis’s big three in successive matches at the same grand slam venue.
And all in prime time on Arthur Ashe Stadium no less.
“These are the matches you remember, there’s no doubt about that. You do want to test yourself against the best players,” Millman said, having famously taken out Roger Federer in the fourth round last year before pushing Novak Djokovic in a tough quarter-final three-setter.
“The last three matches I’ve played at the US Open have been probably three of the greatest ever.
“I’ve been really lucky now, playing some of the best players we’ve stage.
“I’ve played Andy (Murray) at Wimbledon centre court, I’ve played Roger and Novak here.”
While he acknowledges the enormity of the challenge confronting him, Millman hopes to draw on his past big-match experiences and put up a fight against the mighty Spaniard.
“Rafa, it’s like a boxing match. It’s relentless abuse out there,” Millman said.
“He turns up for every point. He puts maximum intensity in every shot and it’s quite punishing actually.”
The winner of Nadal v Millman will face Australian wildcard Thanasikokkinakis or Belarusian qualifier Ilya Ivashka in the second round. played on the biggest