"I had my flight booked" says lucky loser Mmoh after beating Zverev
ATP
Michael Mmoh was on the verge of exiting the 2023 Australian Open several times, as he revealed he already had his flight home booked.
Mmoh was supposed to fly out of Australia back to the United States after losing in the third round of the qualifiers. The American only got in as a lucky loser after David Goffin withdrew, but he used his chance well.
Laurent Lokoli was his first victim as Mmoh rallied in the third set from a break down twice to force a tie-break. The rain stopped the match as Lokoli was staging a late push, which resulted in a match point for him, but Mmoh was able to save it and then turn around the match.
The American player won the match 4-6, 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-4, 6-2 to set up a meeting with the 12th-seeded Alexander Zverev. He lost the first set against Zverev too, but fought back to win the match in four sets.
Speaking after his win against the 2020 US Open champion, Mmoh admitted that he already had his flight booked before his life turned completely around.
"Life is crazy. When you think everything is looking dark, there's light at the end of the tunnel. I was packing my bag, I had my flight booked and was supposed to leave yesterday morning."
It's understandable that Mmoh struggles to find words as everything is still fresh for him. He kept repeating that it just didn't seem real to him.
"It just doesn't seem real. The past 48 hours have been a complete whirlwind. From being ready to go back home, booking a flight, packing my bags. I was supposed to leave yesterday."
"Now I'm here, and I just had the best win of my career. It just doesn't seem real. The two change of events is just insane."
