John Millman exits Australian Open in second round loss

John Millman has failed to replicate his US Open quarter-final heroics, falling in the Australian Open second round to Roberto Bautista Agut.

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John Millman has failed to replicate his US Open quarter-final heroics, falling in the Australian Open second round to Roberto Bautista Agut.

The Spanish party-pooper, who also eliminated Andy Murray in round one, outlasted the Australian No.2 6-4-6-1 3-6 6-7 (8-6) 6-4.

Millman couldn’t summon a miracle this time. (Mark Stewart)

There was Millmania among fans at Margaret Court Arena after he saved four match points to win the fourth set, but he couldn’t go the distance.

“I expect that of myself. I expect to just leave it all on the court,” Millman said.

“I have high expectations of myself. I was pretty displeased -- and credit to Roberto, he started off pretty well, I probably didn’t start off so well.”

It was the second five-set victory for Bautista Agut, the 22nd seed, after his win over Murray.

“He’s a pretty professional player,” Millman said.

“He came back, I think similar thing happened when he played against Andy. Might have had a bit of - you know, he’s a very good player.

Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut celebrates hia epic victory. Picture: Getty

“There’s a reason why he won Doha, beat (Novak) Djokovic and (Tomas) Berdych on the way, to win that just a week, two weeks ago.

“Top player, very physical.”

Millman looked like he would be rolled in straight sets with the Spaniard dominating the early exchanges.

But the Queenslander found his groove in the third and worked his way back into the match.

Millman broke to lead 5-3 in the fourth before the tenacious Bautista Agut clawed his way back to take the set into a tie-break.

The Spaniard led the tie-break 6-2 but Millman wouldn’t surrender and delivered a forehand winner to seal a thrilling set.

Bautista Agut got the break in the fifth to lead 4-2 and maintained that advantage before serving out the match.

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Originally published as John Millman exits Australian Open in second round loss