US Open 2018: Millman refused to surrender to surgery … or Federer

John Millman’s career should have died on the operating table — at least three times.

The strength of John Millman’s game is that effort is never in doubt. Picture: AFP.

John Millman’s career should have died on the operating table — at least three times.

Shoulder reconstructions usually sound the death knell for even the most talented. Hip surgery is only marginally better.

By his own admission, Millman is not the most gifted player in the world.

And when he first went under the knife five years ago, the seeming certainty was retirement, such was the magnitude of the injury.

But those familiar with Millman’s steely attitude understood there would be no easy surrender.

Instead of submitting, Millman responded with unshakeable self-brief, application and tenacity.

And in a week when Alex De Minaur was moronically smeared by the uneducated for being “merely” gritty and determined, Millman’s extraordinary victory over Roger Federer resonates even louder.

At 29 and ranked No 55 in the world, “Honest John” has earned his biggest win and the largest pay cheque in one glorious fell swoop.

As shattered as disconsolate Federer was after an uncharacteristically wasteful display, the Swiss was gracious enough to acknowledge and respect Millman’s persistence.

In 2013, Millman was forced off the tour and took a day job working in Brisbane’s business district. He had no money and caught buses to and from work.

The experience spurred Millman to do everything he could to succeed at his chosen vocation.

And it exemplified the qualities that set him apart as a person.

To put Millman’s stunning achievement into context, it requires a journey back to the 1999 French Open.

Millman was then simply dreaming of one day of emulating fellow Queenslander Pat Rafter.

In 1999, on Roland Garros clay, Rafter needed his best to topple Federer.

Until Millman’s ambush at Flushing Meadows yesterday, Rafter had been the only Australian to deny Federer in grand slam action.

Since then, a succession of Australians have unsuccessfully challenged Federer in grand slams. Millman appeared destined to head the same way when Federer freewheeled to a set and 5-3 lead yesterday. The most bankable aspect of Millman’s game is that effort is never in doubt.

And against the greatest male in grand slam history in sweltering heat and humidity, Millman got his just reward.

Federer put Millman’s ability to perform in the heat down to his place of birth

“It was very hot tonight … just one of those nights where I guess I felt I couldn’t get air,” he said. “Clearly just keep on sweating more and more and more and more as the match goes on. You lose energy as it goes by.

“But John was able to deal with it better. He maybe comes from one of the most humid places on earth, Brisbane. I knew I was in for a tough one.”