John Millman enjoyed the best season of his career in 2018, climbing as high as World No. 33. Perhaps the Australian’s two biggest highlights were reaching his first ATP Tour final in Budapest and defeating Roger Federer at the US Open to reach the quarter-finals. That’s not bad for someone who had not previously finished higher than No. 84 in the year-end ATP Rankings.
But while the 29-year-old is happy with his year, that doesn’t mean he is ready to slow down.
“I still feel like I’ve got a little bit more improvement to come and I feel like next season can be even better hopefully,” Millman said. “Touch wood, the body holds together and I’m looking forward to putting myself up against the best players in the world. That’s what you want to do, that’s why you play tennis.”
Judging by his performance in 2018, it would be tough to tell that Millman has missed a lot of time on the court over the years due to injury. In February 2017, Millman underwent the third major surgery of his career, that one on his groin. Staying healthy was a big victory for the grinding baseliner in 2018, and his great results were a nice bonus.
“For him to finish where he finished was incredible. What he did at the US Open was fantastic,” said former World No. 8 Mark Philippoussis. “It was a hell of a year, so hopefully he can continue that and stay healthy, and then who knows how far he can go.”
Millman, who is known for his work ethic and how hard he competes, took some time off after his career year. But it didn’t take long for him to get back to work, joining a group of Aussies that was led by former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt and legendary coach Tony Roche to prepare for the new year.
“The Australian Open conditions are some of the toughest of the year and not just that, I think it’s important when you can to lay a foundation and this is the best opportunity to do so, to lay a foundation right now. This is the time to do it,” Millman said. “I think that Australians are really lucky to train here in the conditions where we start off the season and I think we’re really making the most of it.”
It’s always important to start the year on a high note. But it’s even more critical for Millman, as he wants to show his family and friends at home his very best.
“I want to put on the best show I possibly can because this is a real opportunity where my friends and family get to come and watch me play. You want to go out there and you want to do them proud,” Millman said. “The way I can do that is to compete as hard as I can and play really good tennis. So definitely that’s in the back of your mind when you’re out here training and you’re doing everything possible to put yourself in the best physical and mental shape.”
With the season ready to begin and the hard work behind him, Millman is in a different place. With health on his side and the momentum of an impressive 2018 campaign that earned him a nomination for ATP Comeback Player of the Year, all Millman has to worry about is what he’s best at: going out and competing.
“He’s all heart on the court,” Philippoussis said. “He takes what he has, as far as his game, to the absolute max and heart can take you a very, very long way.”
Source: ATP World Tour
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