Australia’s John Millman has finally secured his maiden ATP Tour title with a straight-sets victory over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the final of the Astana Open.
Key points:
- John Millman has won the Astana Open in straight sets
- The victory is the Australian’s first on the ATP Tour
- His opponent Adrian Mannarino is now 1-9 in ATP Tour finals
Fourth-seeded Millman made the most of his opportunities in Sunday’s slugfest to prevail 7-5, 6-1 and take his maiden ATP title on his 89th try.
The 31-year-old Australian saved five break points in the first set before he capitalised on his lone chance to break the third-seeded Mannarino’s serve for the set, doing so with a ripping backhand down the line.
It was a more dominant performance from Brisbane native Millman in the second set as he broke serve twice and closed out the match in one hour and 48 minutes.
The title on the indoor hardcourt event gives Millman his first tour-level trophy after runner-up finishes in Budapest in 2018 and Tokyo last year.
The ATP 250-level event was primarily organised due to the cancellation of a host of tournaments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Millman took the opportunity to give thanks for those who have supported him throughout a long career.
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“To all the team that is littered around the world, family, friends, thank you for always supporting me not just in the good times but the tough times,” Millman said.
“This is my first ATP 250 that I have won, it’s really special.”
Millman is the fifth first-time winner on the ATP tour in 2020.
He had to battle just to reach the final, coming from a set down and 3-0 down in the third set to beat Frances Tiafoe in the semis while he saved two match points and fought back from 5-0 down in a deciding tiebreak to defeat Tommy Paul in their last-eight match.
He will move up seven spots to world No.38 when the rankings are updated on Monday.
AAP
