Rusty Roger Federer survives 2nd round against Millman; advances to quarterfinals in Brisbane

Ana Ivanovic of Serbia reacts after she lost a point in her quarterfinal match against Kaia Kanepi of Estonia during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard) (The Associated Press)

John Millman of Australia reacts after winning a point in his match against Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard) (The Associated Press)

BRISBANE, Australia – Roger Federer survived a close call in his first match of the season, needing three sets Thursday to reach the Brisbane International quarterfinals.

The 17-time Grand Slam winner held off Australian wild-card entry John Millman 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

"I'm sweating like crazy," Federer said.

The weather was reasonably mild for sub-tropical Brisbane, where Federer lost in the final last year. It was the hot reception from the No. 153-ranked Millman that troubled him for a while.

Federer, who had a first-round bye and delayed his opening match until Day 5 of the tournament, made an uncharacteristic 19 unforced errors in the first set and finished with 38 for the match.