Five-time US Open champion Roger Federer has attributed his unexpected loss to John Millman in the third round to the hot conditions.
The second seed bowed out 3-6, 7-5, 7-6, 7-6, in what is his earliest grand slam exit since crashing out in the third round of the 2015 Australian Open. Federer’s lacklustre performance saw him hit 10 double faults alongside 76 unforced errors. Millman is only the sixth player to have defeated Federer this season and the second Australian after Thanasi Kokkinakis.
“I just thought it was very hot tonight. Was just one of those nights where I guess I felt I couldn’t get air.” Federer said during his press conference. “There was no circulation at all. I don’t know, for some reason I just struggled in the conditions tonight. It’s one of the first times it’s happened to me.”
“It’s uncomfortable. Clearly just keep on sweating more and more and more and more as the match goes on. You lose energy as it goes by.”
The humidity in New York on Monday evening was more than 70% on what was a sweltering clash between the two players. Heading into the match, Federer knew of the threat his opponent posed. The two have previously trained together in Switzerland earlier this year after the 29-year-old received an invite from Federer’s coach Severin Lüthi.
“John was able to deal with it better. He maybe comes from one of the most humid places on earth, Brisbane.” Federer evaluated about his opponents’ performance.”I knew I was in for a tough one. Maybe when you feel like that, as well, you start missing chances, and I had those. That was disappointing.”
‘A totally different US Open’
Maintaining an upbeat perspective about his defeat, Federer has taken aim at the roof on the Arthur Ashe stadium. A feature that was first used on the premier court back in 2016. Speaking about playing under the roof, the former world No.1 said it had a negative impact on the air circulation and made the tournament different to what it has been during previous years.
“I do believe since the roof is on that there is no air circulation in the stadium. I think just that makes it a totally different US Open.” He said.
“Plus conditions maybe were playing slower this year on top of it. You have soaking wet pants, soaking wet everything. The balls are in there, too. You try to play. Everything gets slower as you try to hit winners.”
Federer was bidding to win the US Open title for the first time in ten years. He has now played at the New York major 18 times in his career and 2018 is only the sixth time he has failed to reach the quarter-final.
“I wish I could have led two sets to love and then maybe the match would be different and I would find a way, because I did have my chances all the way till the end. It was just tough. I thought John played a great match in difficult conditions.”
As a result of Sunday’s loss, there will be no mouther-watering showdown between the Swiss player and his nemesis Novak Djokovic. Djokovic defeated Portugal’s Joao Sousa in straight sets during his fourth round match. Millman will once again be the underdog in what will be his maiden grand slam quarter-final.
“I love his intensity. He reminds me of David Ferrer and those other guys that I admire a lot when I see them, when I see how they train, the passion they have for the game. I love his intensity.” Federer said of Millman.
“He’s got a positive demeanor about himself on and off the court. I think he’s got a great backhand that he can protect very well down the line and cross-court.
“I think against Novak, he just has to bring it again, try to worry Novak, hope for another hot day, maybe, I don’t know.”
Federer will return to action at the end of this month to play at the Laver Cup in Chicago.
