Aussie John Millman has joked that he may have to ask the operators to crank up the heat on Rod Laver Arena for his third-round clash with Roger Federer on Friday evening.
The 30-year-old is making his second career trip to the third round of the Australian Open, having knocked off 31st seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-4 7-5 6-3 on Wednesday.
Millman's record against the Swiss legend stands 1-2, though that win came in the fourth round of the 2018 US Open.
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Speaking after his straight-sets second-round win over Filip Krajinovic, Federer recalled the tough conditions at Flushing Meadows on that occasion.
"I almost passed out when I played against [Millman] in New York," said Federer.
"It was so hot. He had no problem, he’s from Queensland… He never came to check on me [to see] if I passed out after that match but I didn't, I'm here."
Federer has looked in ominous form so far and will be a hot favourite with the bookies, though Millman might fancy his chances if he can turn the match into a grind.
"I'm gonna have to get the roof closed and turn the heaters on, I reckon," Millman said on SEN.
"I like those humid conditions, I like those heavy conditions, bringing a physical brand of tennis is something that I've had to do my whole career because I haven't necessarily been able to rely on a massive serve or quick points, I have to work for them."
Millman said he'll be doing his best to ignore the achievements of the 20-time Grand Slam champion when they step on to the court.
"He did get me halfway through the year, we played in Halle, which he's won about 11 times - he's got a street named after him in that town. If that's not intimidating I don't know what is," Millman said.
"You're probably doing yourself a little bit of a disservice if you go out there and play someone's reputation. I think that puts you behind the eight-ball from the get go."
Millman echoed the sentiments of countryman Nick Kyrgios in lauding the support the Australians get on Melbourne Arena.
"The crowd support I get on Showcourt 3 - I've had some really good moments there," Millman said after the first round.
"The more rowdy they are, the drunker they are, the better."
The match up with the biggest name in the sport means Millman won't be on his preferred court in round three and he even has doubts as to whether the crowd will be on his side.
"This is the one month that you earmark on the calendar that you know you'll have the home support, however, against Roger, that's probably the one time where I'm not actually too sure whether I do have the support because he's loved universally and whereve I play him, he's got a fair bit of support."
Millman and Federer are due to take to Rod Laver Arena on Friday evening.
