John Millman found love by ordering coffee in Germany

Before his big win against Roger Federer at the US Open in 2018, Queensland ace John Millman was playing club tennis in Germany earning just enough to keep him from returning home. Then came a moment that altered his path forever.

After his big win against Roger Federer in the US open last year, John Millman has become one of Australia’s most recognised tennis players. Picture: Annette Dew

ORDERING a cup of coffee at a German tennis club changed Brisbane tennis professional John Millman’s life.

Fee Maeueler, the woman behind the counter, has now been Millman’s girlfriend for more than two years.

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When they met, Brisbane’s Federer-buster was playing club tennis in Germany, making a maximum of $1622 a week, enough to keep him from doing a U-turn back to his commerce degree at the University of Queensland.

The Stuttgart fashion marketer has been one of the prime backstops for the ups and downs in his tennis fortunes, which ascended on the day she watched him beat Roger Federer at the US Open from a courtside box.

John Millman and Girlfriend Fee Maeueler from Germany. Picture: Annette Dew

Ms Maeueler is scaling back her work to travel more after they had stuck to a relationship rule that they talked or texted each other every day.

She was in Queensland for most of December and was at all of his matches at the Brisbane International this week.

“I met John at my grandparents’ tennis centre. I was a student, helping out at their club, and I used to serve him his coffee,’’ she said. “My background is in fashion marketing, however, right now I am really enjoying focusing on supporting John and his career.

“It doesn’t matter where in the world either of us are, we always call or text each other every day. I just know I can always rely on John, as he is the most honest person I know. When you are in a long-distance relationship, I think you appreciate and make the most of your time together. It’s also really nice now, however, that I’m able to do a lot more travelling with him.’’

John Millman in action against Tennys Sandgren of the USA on day one of the Brisbane International tennis tournament at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane. Picture: AAP/Darren England

Millman, who will play in the Sydney International and Australian Open later this month, had one special supporter among the 4500 tennis fans on Monday night when he won at Pat Rafter Arena.

“Fee has put up with a lot of the starts and stops in my tennis career,’’ Millman said.

“She’s been a rock solid support of mine through the times which haven’t been so good. That’s a great trait in someone. I was lucky enough she could come to the US Open to watch me compete, as did a few of my mates from Brisbane.’’

The couple spent a week at Mooloolaba in November before Millman stepped up his tennis training.

“I love being here and Brisbane is a beautiful city,’’ Ms Maeueler said.

“Being from Germany, it’s also been really fun to experience an Aussie Christmas in summer with John and his family.’’