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The prospect of encountering Roger Federer on the court invokes a sense of awe and reverence among his opponents. The difficulty of playing against Federer can be an incredibly stimulating experience. The match can inspire athletes to push beyond their limits and make a mark on the court. John Millman, the Australian tennis veteran, met Roger Federer at the 2020 Australian Open. In a recent interview, the Australian opened up about the crowd bias on the court.

In the third round of the Australian Open, Millman and Federer went head-to-head in a grueling five-set match that saw Millman get pushed to the brink. Despite the fact that it was Australia’s own Millman playing, a large number of the crowd was clearly favoring the Swiss legend. Consequently, Millman felt deflated and dejected, as he had expected the passionate home crowd to be supporting him, turning the tide in his favor.

Millman opens up about his 2020 encounter with Roger Federer in an exclusive interview

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Despite Millman being Australian, the crowd was largely in Roger Federer’s corner and it left him feeling disadvantaged. Their epic battle at the 2020 Australian Open captivated tennis fans from all across the globe. The five-set match between the two was a testimony to their resilience and determination. He impressed the crowd with his competent performance in the opening set. However, Federer refused to back down and soon gained control of the match in the following set.

USA Today via Reuters

The fifth set promised to be a gripping piece of theatre, as the match went into a tie-breaker. Despite Millman’s valiant efforts, Federer eventually emerged as the victor. The drama and intensity of the match illustrated how unpredictable tennis can be.

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As quoted by news.com.au, Millman said, “ Even in a sold-out Rod Laver Arena on home soil against the great Roger Federer I witnessed first-hand that many of the crowd were in Roger’s corner.”

READ MORE- French Open Lives Up to Its Line Call Reputation as Aggressive Crowd Riles Up Russian Tennis Star Daniil Medvedev in Bizarre Scenes

Millman’s courageous efforts were an affirmation of his potential to compete with the greats of the sport.

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Watch this story – Serena Williams’ Astounding 8-Year Record To Be Beaten Finally As 21-Year-Old Iga Swiatek Excels With Grace at Mutua Madrid Open 2023

Three years have passed since John Millman engaged in an unforgettable battle against Roger Federer at Rod Laver Arena. Yet, the disappointment stemming from the bias he encountered from the Australian crowd remains fresh in Millman’s mind. What do you think? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below.