John Millman's inspired run in the US Open is over, with the Australian going down in straight sets to Novak Djokovic in their quarter-final clash.
The 13-time Grand Slam champion moved into a semi-final with Kei Nishikori, who defeated Marin Cilic earlier in the day.
The 6-3 6-4 6-4 result was by no means humiliating for Millman, who sent down several brilliant winners in the match.
While Millman retained the form that helped him upset world No.2 Roger Federer two days earlier, Djokovic showed his class to see off the Queenslander, but the New York crowd appeared to be on Millman's side.
MORE: Fearless Millman going into the unknown against Djokovic | Millman's interesting preparation for Djokovic meeting after Federer win
The world No. 6 Serbian raced to a 0-3 lead in the first set, and may have run out a winner in straight sets - however, Millman put up a big fight, and made sure Djokovic had to work hard in the hot and humid comditions at Flushing Meadows.
Feel the roar of the Flushing Meadows crowd...@DjokerNole reaches his 11th #USOpen semifinal under the lights in Arthur Ashe Stadium! pic.twitter.com/CqbIi6dLhk
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2018
There were bizarre scenes midway through the second set when the umpire gave Millman permission to leave the court to change his sweaty clothes.
Millman apologised to an agitated Djokovic, who took his shirt off and remained on the court as Millman disappeared into the sheds to change.
Then, Djokovic asked a ballboy to go to his box to get some tablets he said his wife had brought to the tournament for him.
The tablets weren't in his bag which he brought onto the court.
Djokovic would win the second set 6-4 and repeated the dosage in the third, and paid tribute to his gritty opponent, who will leave New York $660,000 richer.
"Credit to John for putting up a great battle, he’s a truly great fighter," Djokovic said after the match.
"He’s had an amazing tournament. He won his first match against Roger a couple of nights ago.
"To come out after that win and to fight for three hours, he deserves a round of applause, definitely."
At the end of the day, it’s always about respect...#USOpen pic.twitter.com/dKOD8ljqMH
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2018
STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Djokovic [6] bt Millman 6-3 6-4 6-4
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Djokovic - 29/53
Millman - 24/46
ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS
Djokovic - 1/4
Millman - 3/4
BREAK POINTS WON
Djokovic - 4/20
Millman - 1/2
FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Djokovic - 66
Millman - 69
PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE
Djokovic - 73/66
Millman - 65/42
TOTAL POINTS
Djokovic - 109
Millman - 91
The Djoker Prevails!@DjokerNole gets past Millman 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to set up a semifinal encounter against Kei Nishikori...#USOpen pic.twitter.com/NE59ZndaE6
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2018
