When it comes to a career renaissance, few can challenge the evergreen Roger Federer.
However, what John Millman has achieved in 2018 - as a 12-year tour veteran, mind you - is something special altogether, and he is the story Australian tennis desperately needs.
The cynical discourse surrounding the likes of Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic was swiftly tossed aside as Alex de Minaur nearly did the unthinkable against Marin Cilic, while Ash Barty grows ever closer to something special.
Millman, though, isn't blessed with youth anymore, and hasn't had the attention anywhere near the likes of the aforementioned. But he's got guts, and he's got a second-week clash against the greatest the sport has ever seen.
MORE: Who is John Millman? | Novak Djokovic survives the heat to overcome Joao Sousa
The Brisbane-born 29-year-old has waited his entire career for moments like Tuesday morning's (AEST) clash at Arthur Ashe Stadium, and despite the overwhelming favourtism in Federer's corner, Millman has so far proven he's no pushover in New York.
Jenson Brooksby. Fabio Fognini. Mikhail Kukushkin. All swept aside by a new-for-2018 model Millman, who has rebuilt himself after a spate of injuries.
He nearly lost his career to a serious shoulder injury, which required a reconstruction, and has also struggled with hip and groin concerns.
So bad was his shoulder injury, that he was left with no choice but to temporarily swap the racquet for a desk job in finance.
Fast forward to 2018, and Millman has enjoyed a career-best season that has featured two challenger titles, a career-high ranking and a career-best Grand Slam showing at Flushing Meadows.
It's no wonder Federer - who also had to rebuild his career following injury - is a deep admirer of Millman's craft, and revealed he invited the Aussie to train with him prior to the grasscourt season.
"I'm a big fan of John," Federer said.
"Maybe not that many people know him, but he's a real hard-working guy out there and those are the guys who have all the respect from us top players in the locker room.
"He's just come to Switzerland to train with me before the grass-court season so we know each other quite well, a super friendly guy, and I'm very happy for him that he's gotten so far.
"But now I'll try to stop him, so we'll see how it goes."
For Millman to score such an invite is rare.
However, the Australian took it in his stride, and despite the aura that follows his 20-time Grand Slam-winning opponent for his fourth round match, Millman remained humble.
The Aussie has only met Federer once, and it nearly resulted in a shock win for Millman at the Brisbane International in 2015. Nearly, but not quite.
Now, Millman has a chance on the big stage, and isn't ready to play second fiddle.
"Any opportunity to hit with the great man, I would take. I would pick up balls for him back then," Millman said.
"I hit with him also a couple of times between days at the Australian Open. He has always been someone I look up to.
"I am going to try to be as competitive as possible and really battle out there and not play anyone's reputation.
"I have put myself in this position and it is because I am playing some decent tennis right now and I plan to really give my best showing.
"I'm really looking forward to making the most of a second week at a Grand Slam."
The winner will face Novak Djokovic on Wednesday for a spot in Friday's semi-finals.
