John Millman beats Roger Federer: Who is John Millman?
JOHN Millman has pulled off the biggest win of his career with his victory over Roger Federer at the US Open. But just who is the humble player nicknamed ‘The Mailman?’
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UPDATE: JOHN Millman has gone from sleeping on an airport floor between tournaments to beating Roger Federer at the US Open and becoming Australia’s top-ranked player. Just who is the player nicknamed ‘The Mailman?’
Brisbane born and based Millman, 29, is the only boy in his family among four sisters and took up tennis at the age of four because his sisters (Shona, Kara, Bronte and Tessa) all played.
His parents Shona and Ron are both teachers, with Ron teaching physical education at Brisbane’s Capalaba State High School for more than 30 years.
Millman was schooled at Brisbane Grammar School and Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) and turned pro in 2008.
He has been battling away ever since.
His win over Federer is easily the biggest in a career defined by dogged persistence and injury but limited success on the senior tour. Despite this, he has a loyal fanbase, which have been dubbed the ‘Millminions.’
Millman wrote in an article on the ‘Player’s Voice’ website he has embraced being a battler.
‘Not being the most talented guy out there makes me even more proud of where I’ve got to, ‘’ he wrote. Definitely. Especially with the little bit of adversity, and especially early on.’’
Millman’s highest ranking to date was 49, which he achieved on July 30 this year.
However his live ranking following his win over Federer is 37, putting him one spot above fellow Aussie Alex de Minaur, whose live ranking is 38.
Millman has won US$1.8m in prize money to date.
His best achievement at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon has been the third round (both in 2016) while he hasn’t gone beyond the first round at the French Open (2016, 2017 and 2018).
In April this year he missed out on winning his maiden ATP title when he lost in the final of the Hungarian Open to Italy’s Marco Cecchinato.
Millman has a close relationship with his parents and doesn’t mind poking fun at his dad Ron ‘The Fox’ Millman as this Twitter post from June shows:
So my old man arrived in time to watch me at this years Wimbledon. He also calls himself the 🦊... pic.twitter.com/RnGCMzKj8i
— John Millman (@johnhmillman) June 29, 2018
Asked after his win over Federer if his father would fly over to watch him in his quarter-final, Millman said: “I want to keep a winning thing… apparently he’s got a week of work. He still teaches to fund my sister’s hobby farm. The Fox is at home right now but I’m sure he’ll be watching on. I love my parents to death. The Fox, I love him. Sometimes he annoys me but I love him to death. He’ll be cheering me on from home.
The right-hander made a solid start to his career in the entry-level Futures and Challenger tournaments, winning four Futures tournaments in Australia from 2008-2010 and a Challenger tournament in Sacramento in 2010. Between 2007 and 2010 his world ranking soared from 1461 to 204.
But like most players trying to crack the senior tour, Millman was doing it the hard way. Cash-strapped, he found himself sleeping on the floor at Barcelona airport as he flew between tournaments in 2008. That year Federer raked in US$5.8m in prizemoney.
When Millman did arrive on the senior tour he found it a tough proposition.
His first win on the ATP Tour didn’t come until 2013, when he scored a first round win over Tatsuma Ito in the Brisbane International.
By then he was already starting to be affected by the injuries (shoulder, back, hip and groin) which have dogged his career and caused him to miss plenty of tennis.
John Millman won the second set 7-5 over Roger Federer. #usopen
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) September 4, 2018
He can also do things with his tongue.pic.twitter.com/3k1fzOCAdV
He played for Australia at the Rio Olympic Games and became the first men’s player in history to win 6-0 6-0 win at an Olympics with his first round win over Lithuania’s Ricardas Barankis. (Millman lost in the second round to Japan’s Kei Nishikori).
Millman has the Olympic rings tattooed on his right bicep.
In 2017, Millman made his Davis Cup debut, saying after he was selected: “It’s something I will remember for a very long time. It is the pinnacle of sport to represent your country.”
Off the field he is a big soccer fan and supports Premier League outfit Liverpool.
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