Davis Cup Qualifiers: John Millman books Australia's place in Davis Cup Finals after overcoming Thiago Monteiro in three-set epic

Nathan Williamson

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Davis Cup Qualifiers: John Millman books Australia's place in Davis Cup Finals after overcoming Thiago Monteiro in three-set epic image

John Millman has booked Australia's place in the Davis Cup Finals after overcoming Brazilian Thiago Monteiro 6-7(6) 7-6(3) 7-6(3) in a three-hour epic.

The win gave Australia a 3-1 lead in the tie against Brazil after Marcelo Demoliner and Felipe Rodrigues Alves kept the tie alive, overcoming John Peers and James Duckworth 5-7 7-5 7-6(6).

The Aussie pair saved four match points in the deciding tie-breaker before Rodrigues Alves and Demoliner won the next two points to ensure the tie went into the reverse singles still up for grabs.

Having worked his way through a near three hour classic on the opening day, Millman was eager for a shorter match against Montiero,

MORE:  Thompson overcomes Thiago Monteiro in straight sets

However, the 25-year-old refused to make it easy for Millman, saving seven break points during his opening service game and a further opportunity in the fourth game.


He would then convert his own attempt, breaking Millman's serve to take a 4-3 lead.

In classic Millman fashion, he would hit right back immediately, winning the next two games to get the match back on serve.

The first set would end up heading to a tie-breaker, with Monteiro converting on his second set point attempt to take it 8-6.


The second set would be much less voilitile as both men lifted their serving efforts to give their opponent nothing.

Millman would be especially dominant on serve, winning 16 straight points as the second set headed to another tie-breaker.

He would control the tie-break, with the Queenslander winning the first four points before wrapping it up 7-3.

Both players would refuse to budge, with Millman failing to convert a break point chance in the sixth game.

It would remain on serve for the rest of the match, with the match decided in a final tie-breaker.

With the tie on the line, Millman would once again save his best tennis for last, dominating the tie-breaker to wrap it up 7-3 to seal the match and tie for Australia.




 

Nathan Williamson