John Millman two wins away from Australian Open farewell

A popular Aussie journeyman has kept the fire burning for a dream Australian Open farewell with a convincing win.

John Millman has kept his bid for a fairytale Australian Open farewell alive with a clinical straight sets win in the first round of qualifying at Melbourne Park.

The 34-year-old, who reached the quarter-finals of the 2018 US Open after he beat Roger Federer in four sets, cruised past Italian veteran Alessandro Giannessi 6-3, 6-4 to move within two wins of a spot in the main draw.

Millman announced in November he would retire at the end of the summer after succumbing to persistent injuries in his final years on the tour.

“The body’s really broken down. It’s been a fantastic career, but I’m ready to try something else,” he said.

Australian tour veteran John Millman will retire at the end of the summer of tennis. Picture: Paul Kane / Getty Images

The former world no. 34 was unable to secure a wildcard into the main draw but could prolong his professional career by another week if he can overcome left-handed Slovakian Alex Molcan on Thursday morning and then win the following match.

The Queenslander is poised to enter commentary when he bows out of playing, following previous stints on Nine’s broadcast.

Australia’s top ranked woman Arina Rodionova lost her first-round qualifying match on Tuesday but a quartet of compatriots claimed wins including former junior star Destanee Aiava, who beat France’s Chloe Paquet 6-3, 7-6.

Aiava will play Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann on Thursday, while five other Aussie women will be in action including first-round victors Storm Hunter, Melisa Ercan and Talia Gibson.