Australian John Millman has been eliminated in the opening round of the US Open by American Emilio Nava, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 1-6, 6-1.
Flushing Meadows remains the scene of Millman’s crowning achievement in tennis. The Brisbane baseliner’s stunning fourth-round victory over Roger Federer in 2018 propelled the Australian into his only grand slam quarter-final.
But, at age 33, No.103 in the rankings and after a career battling crippling shoulder and back injuries, the veteran warrior is feeling every ache.
READ MORE: Dogs boss spills on twist in hero’s reunion talks
READ MORE: NRL cops heat over serial offender’s rap sheet
READ MORE: Coach’s warning to Lyon over Essendon job
The 20-year-old Nava, a two-time grand slam junior finalist, gave Millman the full runaround. The youngster, ranked exactly 100 spots below the Australian, eventually wore his older foe down after three hours and 58 minutes.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Daria Snigur’s first career win on the WTA Tour was a big one.
The 20-year-old stunned No.7 seed Simona Halep 6-2, 0-6, 6-4 in the first round of the U.S. Open, then struggled through tears to explain what the victory meant to her family and her country during its war with Russia.
Snigur wore a pin in the colours of Ukraine’s flag on her chest and put her hands around it after the final point.
Snigur took part last week in the “Tennis Plays for Peace Exhibition” in Louis Armstrong Stadium to raise money to aid Ukraine, and she said that might have helped her nerves when she returned to the same court.
With her father watching on in the crowd, she almost burst into tears when her home country was mentioned: “I’m very happy. “No comment,” I think … it’s impossible for me [to put it into words] now. I want to thank Simona [for a good match], it’s a great experience for me … it’s impossible for me to beat Simona. Thank you to everyone who watched the match.
“I was very, very, very nervous but I tried to do my best.
Watch the US Open live and free on 9Now and every point from every match ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.
“Of course this match for Ukraine, for my family, for all who have supported me. I want to say thank you. Slava Ukraini!”
Halep had won 19 of her last 22 matches and recently returned to the top 10, but the two-time Grand Slam champion has struggled at the U.S. Open throughout her career.
Meanwhile, Stan Wawrinka didn’t have much to smile about, retiring injured during his first round match.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
Serena Williams at the Australian Open: Legend’s transformation after 1998 debut
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
