Moscow, Russia, 21 October 2021 | Leigh Rogers

Moscow, Russia

John Millman has booked his place in the Kremlin Cup quarterfinals.

The 32-year-old Australian scored a hard-fought 6-1 5-7 6-4 victory against Ukrainian qualifier Illya Marchenko in second-round action in Moscow, eventually prevailing in a two-hour and 28-minute battle.

Millman made a blistering start, losing only seven points in the opening set. But was forced to dig deep when the No.164-ranked Marchenko fought back to claim the second set.

Millman’s fighting spirit was on show as he extended his winning streak in three-set matches to six and scored his 10th three-set win in total this year.

It propels the world No.58 into his fifth ATP quarterfinal of the season, where he’ll face Russian hope Karen Khachanov.

The third-seeded Khachanov fought back from a slow start to beat Australian James Duckworth 3-6 6-3 6-1 in the second round.

Ajla Tomljanovic also lost in the second round in the women’s singles competition – but the 28-year-old Australian did extend world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka to three sets.

The top-seeded Belarusian recorded a 7-6(2) 4-6 6-1 win against the gallant Tomljanovic.

Aussies in action – Moscow

RESULTS
Men’s singles, second round
John Millman (AUS) d [Q] Illya Marchenko (UKR) 6-1 5-7 6-4
[3] Karen Khachanov (RUS) d James Duckworth (AUS) 3-6 6-3 6-1

Women’s singles, second round
[1] Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) d Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) 7-6(2) 4-6 6-1

COMING UP
Men’s singles, quarterfinals
John Millman (AUS) v [3] Karen Khachanov (RUS)

Antwerp, Belgium

Australia’s winless run continues at the European Open in Antwerp, with Matt Reid and Monaco’s Romain Arneodo exiting in the men’s doubles competition.

Wildcard pairing Lloyd Harris and Xavier Malisse posted a 6-4 7-6(4) win in their first-round clash.

Malisse is the 41-year-old Belgian coach of Harris and this is his first tour-level match – and victory – in eight years.

Aussies in action – Antwerp

RESULTS
Men’s doubles, first round
[WC] Lloyd Harris (RSA)/Xavier Malisse (BEL) d Matt Reid (AUS)/Romain Arneodo (MON) 6-4 7-6(4)

Tenerife, Spain

Ellen Perez and Norwegian partner Ulrikke Eikeri have made a winning start at a WTA 250 tournament in Spain this week.

The fourth-seeded duo advanced to the quarterfinals with a 5-7 6-3 [10-3] victory against Poland’s Katarzyna Piter and Czech Renata Voracova.

Aussies in action – Tenerife

RESULTS
Women’s doubles, first round
[4] Ellen Perez (AUS)/Ulrikke Eikeri (NOR) d Katarzyna Piter (POL)/Renata Voracova (CZE) 5-7 6-3 [10-3]

COMING UP
Women’s doubles, quarterfinals
[4] Ellen Perez (AUS)/Ulrikke Eikeri (NOR) v Vivian Heisen (GER)/Andreea Mitu (ROU)