[WC] John Millman (AUS) def Marc-Andrea Huesler (SUI) 6-7(10), 7-5, 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-3
John Millman has moved into the second round of the 2023 Australian Open after a stunning come-from-behind victory over Marc-Andrea Huesler.
The 33-year-old was given the final Tennis Australia wildcard – as a reward for his consistent presence at Grand Slams over the past seven years – and capitalised with one of the best wins of his tennis career.
“For me, it's as memorable as any match that I've played,” Millman said in his post-match press conference.
“It's the ones where you leave absolutely everything out there. I'm pretty cooked now.”
Millman rallied from two sets to one down to overcome the world number 55 in four hours and six minutes, with a boisterous Court 3 crowd right behind him.
“The crowd on Show Court 3 were incredible. Obviously, it's quite an intimate atmosphere,” Millman said.
“You can't underestimate just how big of an influence that crowd and the energy they give you kind of tow you over the finish line.”
Millman fired sixty-one winners past the 26-year-old from Switzerland, en route to his third career five-set triumph and first since 2016 Wimbledon.
The Queenslander dropped a tight opening set after having three chances to take it a tiebreaker, but rallied in the second, finding a crucial break at 5-5 to level the match.
Millman dropped another tiebreak in the third set, with the momentum of the match seemingly headed the way of Huesler.
But as he’s done countless times before, Millman turned the contest around and reeled off the fourth and fifth sets in incredible fashion.
“I thought my opponent today was really good. He's not a household name just yet. Don't take anything away from that.”
“It was a lot of fun out there. It does give you confidence.”
After a difficult 2022 season – which saw Millman go 9-17 at ATP level – the Aussie rediscovered some form in Adelaide after three consecutive top-100 victories.
“I think I kind of had a bit of confidence after playing four matches in a row in Adelaide”, Millman said.
“Coming here, I felt like the body's as good as it has been in probably the last 12 months.”
The Aussie will now meet the winner of Daniil Medvedev and Marcos Giron in the second round and discussed the possibility of facing the 2022 Australian Open finalist.
“They're the matches you want to play,” Millman said.
“He's one of the few guys I've actually never played before. I love watching him play. It's a daunting prospect because you know when you play against him, you have to work for every point.”
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