Millman shakes off rough season

John Millman is not sure who he offended more — Roger Federer or another tennis God — but he’s convinced fates have massed against him.

John Millman. Picture: Ella Pellegrini

John Millman is not sure who he offended more — Roger Federer or another tennis god — but he’s convinced fates have massed against him this season.

A US Open quarter-finalist after toppling Federer in New York last year, Millman has struggled through an 11-17 season peppered with rotten draws.

Having finally shrugged off a leg complaint, Millman drew world No 5 Alexander Zverev at the French Open before running into grass court specialist Dustin Brown in Stuttgart.

A vengeful Federer followed in Halle. The result was three consecutive first-round defeats.

Despite that, the world No 58 hopes the tide is about to turn after drawing Bolivian clay-courter Hugo Dellien in Wimbledon’s first round. “I’m not one to lament on a couple of misfortunes, but I think the draws have been pretty rough,” he said.

“It’s been that type of year and that type of run recently.

“It’s been tough, to be honest.

“I feel as if I haven’t been too far away. But every week, I approach it the same and I see every match as an opportunity and definitely this week there’s a big opportunity there for me and I’m aware of that.

“I’m very hopeful that I can find a little bit of momentum early and get that confidence going.

“I won’t beat around the bush, when you are searching for wins, your confidence might not be as high.”

One of seven Australian men in the main draw, Millman has notionally the easiest draw against world No 93 Dellien.

But he expects a tough match from the clay specialist.

“Definitely looking to stamp my authority early and focus on the good things, not focus on the bad things,” Millman said.

“Give myself a bit of positive reinforcement and be ready to go.

“I do feel I’m not too far away, I’m doing some good things.

“This is my last tournament before I get to go home, too. The body is finally coming good. I feel a lot more confident with that.”

Herald Sun