Within 15 months between Wimbledon 2019 and Roland Garros 2020, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal achieved one of the most incredible Major records. Two legends became the first players with 100 wins at a single Major event. The Swiss did that first at Wimbledon 2019 and repeated the feat at the 2020 Australian Open after that thrilling victory over John Millman in the third round.
Thus, Federer is the only player with a “century” at two Majors. Entering his 21st Australian Open, the Swiss had to dig deep en route to the milestone victory, edging the home star 4-6, 7-6, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 after four hours and three minutes of an epic battle!
John defeated Roger at the US Open 2018 and gave his 200% in front of the home fans at Rod Laver Arena. He threw everything at Federer and missed a colossal chance in the match tie break, where he led 8-4.
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Millman made a strong start and grabbed two breaks in the opener for 6-4. The Swiss lost only five points behind the initial shot in set number two to mount the pressure on the other side and took the tie break 7-2 to level the overall score.
Continuing in the same style, Federer won the third set with a break in game ten and moved closer to the finish line. John served well in set number four and stole Roger’s serve at 3-3 to forge the advantage and introduce a decider.
The rivals traded breaks in games three and four and stayed neck and neck following a couple of deuces on Millman’s serve in game 12 for a deciding match tie break. The home player opened a 3-0 lead after some loose shots from the Swiss, who won the following two points to remain in touch.
Millman moved 5-2 in front with a couple of good serves, and Federer responded in the next two points. A beautiful volley winner pushed Millman 6-4 in front before landing a forehand down the line winner to take a big step toward the finish line.
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A forehand crosscourt winner delivered another mini-break for the Aussie, who finally lost a point on serve to keep Federer within an 8-6 deficit. Using his vast experience, Roger earned another mini-break and won the next point to move 9-8 up and create his first match point.
He converted it with a forehand winner to seal the deal, forge one of his most thrilling Melbourne victories and celebrate his 100th one Down Under.
