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Defending the national colors for the fourth time, John Millman came from the verge of defeat to beat the young Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 in just under three hours, overcoming a 6-4, 5-3 deficit to cross the finish line first and send Australia 2-0 up.
A teenager claimed the first ATP title on Sunday in Santiago and made a long trip to Adelaide, using momentum and dominating in the first six games to race into a 5-1 lead. He needed four set points to secure the opener in game ten, serving for the victory at 5-4 in set number two when nerves started to show up, getting broken and losing the tie break 7-0 as Millman had the advantage now.
The Aussie was the favorite in the final set, serving well and earning two breaks to seal the deal and send Australia 2-0 in front following the first point that Jordan Thompson delivered against Thiago Monteiro. "I was in a bit of trouble, that's for sure," Millman said.
"Thiago came out playing excellent tennis, really confident ball striking and was pulling triggers early in the rally. I didn't feel too settled. I was trying to weather the storm, but there was not a whole lot I could do early on.
I think I showed a bit of grit out there. That's what Davis Cup is all about, never giving up; that's the Australian way. It is one my most memorable victories, no doubt about that. You can have all the individual success you want, but, for me, I've said it on multiple occasions, the epitome is playing for your country, and that's special.
I'm just glad Lleyton trusted me to give me the call-up and I could not just do it for the country, but do it for the team - Rusty and Tony Roche." "I had my chances at 5-4 in the second set but John played unbelievably well; I wouldn't say he got lucky," Seyboth Wild said.
"I did have my shots, I went for it and I missed a few balls that I wasn't missing before. Millman raised his intensity, starting playing better and barely missing a shot in the decider. I can only congratulate him for the match. It was a special one for me; I will always remember it and I think I treated it pretty well."