Foto

Millman Battles Through Canadian Opener

JOHN MILLMAN of Australia returns the ball during his men's singles quarter-final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia of the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images

John Millman was the sole Australian to advance to the second round of the Canadian Open thus far after Alex de Minaur and Jordan Thompson were beaten in their opening matches in Montreal.

Millman needed more than two-and-a-half hours to battle past Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez 6-7 (7-4) 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 in an enthralling match at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

The Australian will face Marin Cilic next after the Croatian 14th seed beat Bradley Klahn 6-3 7-6 (9-7).

Millman could be joined in the round of 32 by Australian No.1 Nick Kyrgios, who plays Briton Kyle Edmund later on Tuesday evening.

De Minaur paid the price for his inability to capitalise on break-point opportunities in a 6-4 7-6 (8-6) loss to Dan Evans.

The 'Demon' could only break serve once from eight chances while his British opponent nailed both of his in their two hour encounter.

Thompson was defeated by John Isner 6-3 3-6 7-6 (8-6) with the American 12th seed closing out the match with his 26th ace.

Meanwhile, Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime accounted for compatriot Vasek Pospisil 6-2 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-3) to set up a meeting with another countryman, 17th-seeded Milos Raonic.

Others to advance to the second round on Tuesday were Guido Pella, who eliminated 15th-seeded David Goffin in straight sets, Diego Schwartzman and Radu Albot.