US Open digest: Roger Federer shocked by John Millman

Novak Djokovic and Sloane Stephens reach the quarter-finals

John Millman Roger Federer US Open tennis
Australia’s John Millman beat Roger Federer in the US Open fourth round
(Image credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Second seed Roger Federer admitted he struggled in the conditions during his US Open fourth round loss to unseeded Australian John Millman.

In a match played late into the night in New York, world No.55 Millman progressed to the last eight with a 3-6 7-5 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (7-3) victory.

The BBC reports it was Federer’s first loss in 41 US Open matches against a player ranked outside of the world’s top 50. The Swiss star said: “It was very hot and one of those nights where I felt I couldn’t get air.

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“I just struggled in the conditions and it was one of the first times it has happened to me. You just keep sweating and lose energy. At some point I was just happy the match was over.”

Djokovic through

After beating Federer Millman will now face a quarter-final clash with Novak Djokovic, who beat Joao Sousa 6-3 6-4 6-3.

Wimbledon winner Djokovic also struggled with the on-court conditions at Flushing Meadows. He said he was glad just to survive the fourth-round encounter.

“I prefer not to talk about how difficult it was,” said Djokovic. “We are blessed to play this sport and this is one of the biggest stages.

“I’m not 21 any more. I still don’t feel old but at the same time there is a biological clock that doesn’t work in your favour like it does when you’re 20.

“You have a team to get you ready, but sometimes you just have to survive.”

Stephens defence continues

Defending women’s champion Sloane Stephens progressed to the quarter-finals but there were losses for Maria Sharapova and Elina Svitolina.

Third seed Stephens won 6-3 6-3 against Elise Mertens while Sharapova lost 6-4 6-3 against Carla Suarez Navarro and Svitolina was defeated 6-3 1-6 6-0 by Anastasija Sevastova.

US Open quarter-finals

Men’s last-eight line-up (seeds in brackets, all times UK)

  • Today, 6.30pm: Juan Martin del Potro (3) vs. John Isner (11)
  • Tomorrow, 1.15am: Rafael Nadal (1) vs. Dominic Thiem (9)
  • TBC: Novak Djokovic (6) vs. John Millman
  • TBC: Marin Cilic (7) vs. Kei Nishikori (21)

Women’s last-eight line-up

  • Today, 5pm: Sloane Stephens (3) vs. Anastasija Sevastova (19)
  • Tomorrow, 12am: Serena Williams (17) vs. Karolína Plíšková (8)
  • TBC: Carla Suárez Navarro (30) vs. Madison Keys (14)
  • TBC: Naomi Osaka (20) vs. Lesia Tsurenk
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