Australian tennis player John Millman has taken a surprise victory at the Serbia Open. In an interesting match that lasted 2 hours and 33 minutes, he upset Belgrade audience’s favourite Dominic Thiem, and won 6:3, 3:6, 6:4.

Millman was not hiding his satisfaction with the result after a demanding match. He praised his opponent as well as audience for an excellent atmosphere on Centre Court.

“I leave behind a difficult match with Dominic Thiem. I’m glad that he has made a comeback after a long break he was forced to take because of the injury. He is an excellent tennis player. One of the best. He belongs to the next generation of tennis players, following Novak, Rafa etc… It was a challenging match because, as I said before, he is one of the best,” John Millman added.

In the next round, the Australian tennis player is to face another challenge against a Serbian player.

“My next opponent is Miomir Kecmanović. I’ve seen his progress. He’s been playing excellent tennis since the start of this year. On the other hand, I would like to advance at this tournament and play as many matches as possible.” Millman then commented on the support Dominic Thiem had in Belgrade but highlighted that he felt at ease on the court.

“I would like to last at this tournament. Dominic had a bit stronger support from the stands but that’s all I can say because they supported me as well. I appreciate that. It is nice to visit places with positive energy and I’m a player that feeds off such energy.

John Millman reveals that he would like to stay in Belgrade as long as possible but he also has a plan for next week.

“I’m travelling to Munich next week. I would like to play more matches before Roland-Garros. I need to regain self-confidence, to feel tennis on clay. I withdrew from Roland-Garros last year because of my back pain and avoided clay after that. I’m still trying to find my game on this surface. Monte Carlo was not great but I’m trying. I hope to build up my game ahead of Roland-Garros,” Millman explained.

I feel welcome in Belgrade

It is John Millman’s second time in Belgrade. He did not have a lot of spare time in the last couple of days to explore the capital but he said once again that he feels welcome in Serbia.

“I really enjoyed last year’s experience. When I saw the schedule, I was pretty sure that I would return and that was my top priority. It is even better at the Serbia Open this year. We have amazing space for players. Improvements have been made to make everything even better. Atmosphere on the court is excellent, local residents support the tournament, and that’s important in order for a tournament to be successful. I have fond memories although last year’s tournament was not very successful for me tennis-wise. I’m happy to be back and play tennis here again,” Millman concluded.