Wimbledon 2017: John Millman wins just six games as Rafael Nadal turns on style in first round clash

AFTER a first-hand encounter with Rafael Nadal, Aussie John Millman has no doubt the king of clay can annex a third Wimbledon crown.

John Millman has the utmost respect for Rafael Nadal.

• Teary Venus: Williams devastated by fatal crash
• Barty blow: Aussie rues big opportunity
• Shaky start: Aussies staring at historic low
• Kyrgios out: campaign ends with first-round exit

RELENTLESS abuse.

That’s how John Millman described a 6-1 6-3 6-2 crushing from merciless Rafael Nadal.

“He’s good, he has the ability to shrink the court with everything,” Millman said after the trouncing.

“When you’re serving, you have to hit the tiniest spot. Off the ground, you have to hit the tiniest spot — relentless abuse.”

Rafael Nadal was at his devastating best in disposing of John Millman.

Pre-tournament, Millman predicted Nadal would push for overall honours and a 16th major.

After a first-hand encounter with the king of clay, Millman has no doubt Nadal can annex a third Wimbledon crown.

“He seems to be pretty energised and reinvigorated,” Millman said.

“He seems to be really determined and you kind of felt that out there.

“I was kind of hoping he would be slightly off his game and give me a few looks.

“For me, how it matched up, Rafa is a whole new animal.

“There was absolutely nothing wrong with me out there. I just got beaten by a better player.”

John Millman gets a few running repairs during his match with Rafael Nadal.

When Nadal greeted Millman at the net, the Spaniard congratulated the Australian on his effort to return to the fray after another long injury lay-off.

“Rafa is a gentlemen of the game,” Millman said.

“He said it was great that I was back competing, back in the game.

“He’s a class act.”

Andrew Whittington is determined that a maiden Wimbledon appearance won’t be a one-off.

The Victorian saved five match points before Brazilian Thiago Monteiro snuffed out his challenge 4-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5).

In a match interrupted by rain, Whittington hit 15 aces and 44 winners but couldn’t hold onto a promising 4-2 fourth-set lead.

“I am shattered to lose that. I really wanted to keep the dream alive and feel like I missed a great chance,” Whittington said.

Andrew Whittington went down in four sets to Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro.

“I guess my run had to come to an end today. I got out of trouble three times in qualies, and tried my best again but it wasn’t meant to be.

“It’s been something that I needed, keeping the confidence up and hopefully I can keep winning and get back here again next year.

“I’ll play in the doubles here, then head over to the States to play a grass comp at Newport and then try and qualify again for the US Open.”

Originally published as Wimbledon 2017: John Millman wins just six games as Rafael Nadal turns on style in first round clash