Going the distance won’t be a sweat for Aussie giant-killer John Millman

Giant-killer John Millman was sweating up a storm at the US Open but the new Aussie star believes he won’t have an issue as he gears up for the Brisbane International.

John Millman expresses frustration towards the end of the 3rd set during the Quarterfinal of the US Open. Queens, New York, USA. Wednesday, September 5th, 2018. (Angus Mordant for NewsCorp Australia)

The last Grand Slam tennis watchers saw of John Millman, they would have been worried he would become a puddle.

But Millman believes sweat tests show he has under control any issues in terms of his fluid loss impacting on his stamina in five-set matches.

Millman had to take the unusual step of taking a break in which to change his sodden clothes early in the second set of his US Open quarter-final against Novak Djokovic in September.

Djokovic, after his initial surprise, was pleased to get the short break from playing in the punishing humidity of the New York night match and forged to a straight-sets win over Millman, who was running as hard at the end as he was when he closed out Roger Federer in four sets two nights earlier.

Millman surged to the quarterfinals of the US Open. Angus Mordant for NewsCorp Australia.

“I’ll probably do some more sweat tests some time in December, but to be honest, it was just some crazy, tough weather in New York,’’ Millman said in Brisbane this week.

“It was some of the worst conditions I’ve experienced. It’s just some of the freaks in the sport who don’t sweat so much.

“Sweating hasn’t been much of an issue for me, in terms of it leading to cramp. I’ve done sweat tests in the past and there haven’t been anything too crazy that I’ve losing in the sweat.’’

Not that Millman, 29, is anything but diligent when it comes to giving himself every physical chance to win this summer, starting at the Brisbane International from December 31-January 6.

“I’ll keep my finger on the pulse. The pre-season is a great chance for me to do that because the conditions when you train here can be quite brutal. It can be crippling at times.

“I’m quite a passionate Queenslander and it’s a bonus of being able to do my pre-season at home and play the first tournament of the year in Brisbane.

“I’m addressing my training and off-court work to be hopefully fitter for longer. It’s tougher to take the load for longer when you are a little older. But I’m really happy with where I am at and am giving myself the best chance.’’

Millman has big plans for the summer.

Millman said he would travel again next year with coach Jonas Luetjen, a German former player who coached him through the Federer-Djokovic experience.

“I’ve been doing some good work with Jonas from Eastbourne (in June) on.’’ Millman said.

“He’ll be here for the Brisbane International, flying out on Christmas Day. We’ll he doing the year together.

“He’s been really good. He puts up with the rigours of the tour and with me sometimes.’’

Millman practised with Alex de Minaur and other invited Australian player last week at the Queensland Tennis Centre in ideal training.

Both Millman and de Minaur said they are ready for the raised expectations of Australian crowds this summer based on their significant wins this year.

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