It’s been a sweet week in the Big Apple for Australia’s John Millman.
For the first time in his career, the Brisbane native has made it to the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam. So far during this fortnight, the world No. 55, has dismissed American Jenson Brooksby in Round 1 of the 2018 US Open, and ousted No. 14 seed Fabio Fognini in Round 2, Millman tied his biggest career win and matched his career-best at a Grand Slam.
Then on Saturday, his third-round win over Mikhail Kukushkin, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, extended his stay into week two, and his first time into the Round of 16 at a Grand Slam.
Now, the tennis player who’s stayed relatively under the radar for most of his career, has been thrust upon the grandest stage in the game, after stunning No. 2 seed and five-time US Open champion Roger Federer on Monday night.
Here’s more on Millman:
Millman’s paid his dues.
Since turning pro in 2006, Millman’s been grinding it out on tour, a 12-year veteran of the game. He’s represented Oz on both the Davis Cup team and the Olympic team. Millman has Olympic rings tattooed on the inside of his right bicep, in honor of his appearance at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
But the tour has been rocky for the Brisbane native.
Millman has had his fair share of injuries, sidelining the player. He’s had to have three surgeries, including a 2013 shoulder reconstruction and a 2017 groin surgery, that have kept him off the court and out of the game for months at a time.
2018, however, has been healthy for Millman, and it’s been a boon for his game.
In 2018, Millman made his first ATP Final in Budapest, and took two challenger titles, defeating countryman Nick Kyrgios in Kyoto, and compatriot Bernard Tomic in Aix En Provence. His good health has also boosted his rating; in July, Millman finally cracked the top 50 ATP rankings and ascended to a career-high ranking of world No. 49.
While most well-ranked tennis players roll deep into tournaments with large teams, Millman keeps his small – to only his closest of kin.
Millman’s mother accompanied him to Wimbledon the first time he made main draw in 2015. In years since, his father, Ron – a.k.a., “The Fox” – has been joining his son, with plenty of hilarious hijinks ensuing on their trip.
“It’s why I play tennis, to be honest with you,” Millman told ATPWorldTour.com in July. “So my friends and family can enjoy the experience.”
