The first day of action at the Olympic Tennis Centre in Rio de Janeiro saw unseeded players Gastao Elias and John Millman rewrite the history books.
Portuguese world No.61 Elias battled his way past Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis, who played in his first match for ten months due to a shoulder injury. Despite dropping his serve four times in the match, the 25-year-old managed to clinch the win 7-6(4), 7-6(3).
Elias’ triumph over Kokkinakis has made him the first Portuguese player in history to win an Olympic tennis match, an achievement that has stunned him.
“Really? I’ll be in our history then. I had no idea. No idea,” he said.
Rio is a city that is close to the heart of Elias. During his career, he has lived in Brazil for four years and was coached by 2001 men’s doubles champion Jaime Oncins. Speaking about his Brazilian connection, the world No.61 said that playing in Rio is a similar experience to playing in his home country.
“I like playing here a lot. I feel totally at home. I’ve played more than 50 tournaments in Brazil, so it feels like I am playing in Portugal,” Gastao said.
“I have a Brazilian girlfriend, had a Brazilian coach. I’ve been told two or three times about the high temperatures today but I never felt it. I guess I’m used to it.”
In the second round Elias will play America’s Steve Johnson. The 12th seed eased his way past Dorian King of the Bahamas 6-3, 6-2, in his opening round.
Millman delights Australian fans
It wasn’t just Elias that made history at the tennis event. Australia’s John Millman also achieved a historic milestone following his dominant win over Ricardas Berankis. The world No.75 crushed his opponent 6-0, 6-0, to become the first player to double bagel an opponent in Olympic history.
“I’m not really sure that’s sunk in,” Millman said on Saturday about his one-sided win.
“I never even thought I’d be playing the Olympic Games. I’ve never represented my country before. Playing for your country at the Olympic Games is as good as it gets.”
Millman’s historic performance comes after what have been an injury-plagued career for him. In 2013 he was closing in on the top 100 before a shoulder injury sidelined him from the tour. More recently the world No.75 withdrew from the Rogers Cup due to a wrist injury.
“It’s well documented I’ve had a few shoulder surgeries. To play in an Olympic Games is special. To be put in the record books is ridiculous.” He said.
Awaiting Milman in the last 64 will be fourth seed Kei Nishikori, who defeated Albert Ramos-Venolas 6-2, 6-4.
Good to get the win today. Now in the Aussie Hub watching our Hockeyroos and Sharks play. #OneTeam pic.twitter.com/f3OHpYeQSo
— John Millman (@johnhmillman) August 7, 2016
