Twenty-time Grand Slam singles champion Roger Federer was stunned by unheralded Australian John Millman 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (3) in the fourth round of the US Open 2018. Millman will now take on 13-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals after the 6th seeded Serbian sailed past Joao Sousa of Portugal 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. Meanwhile. Following the defeat Federer has revealed that he struggled to breathe the match. The 37-year-old, who was looking to secure the US Open title for the first in a decade, said that it was very hot and felt he “couldn't get air as there was no circulation at all.”

Crediting Millman for his exceptional performance in the match, the 37-year-old said that his opponent is an intense player and has got a positive demeanour about himself on and off the court.

"I thought the match was tough. I wish I could have led two sets to love and then maybe the match would be different and I would find a way. Because I did have my chances all the way till the end. It was just tough," ATP quoted Federer, as saying. Roger Federer Knocked Out of US Open 2018: John Millman Ousts Five-Time Champion in Four Sets at Flushing Meadows!

He further suggested the world number 55 to play in the same way while taking on Serbian player Novak Djokovic in the quarter-final round.

"I love his intensity. He reminds me of David Ferrer and those other guys that I admire a lot when I see them; when I see how they train [and] the passion they have for the game. He's got a positive demeanour about himself on and off the court. I think he's got a great backhand that he can protect very well down the line and cross-court," Federer said.

"When you attack there in the wrong way, he will punish you every time for it. He has options, now especially where it's a bit slower, to return in and return back. I think against Novak, he just has to bring it again [and] try to worry Novak," he added.

Federer suffered his earliest loss in a Grand Slam event since his third-round exit at the 2015 Australian Open. (Inputs ANI).

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 04, 2018 07:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).