BRISBANE, December 11, 2017 (Press Release)
Queenslander and world No.128 John Millman is the latest Aussie to join the star-studded Brisbane International presented by Suncorp line-up after being awarded a wildcard into his home tournament.
Millman’s highlights in 2017 included a Davis Cup debut against Belgium in September, where he took current world No.7 David Goffin to four sets. He also made the third round of the US Open, his best result at Flushing Meadows.
“This is truly one of my favourite tournaments, there are few better places to play than Pat Rafter Arena,” Millman said at the Queensland Tennis Centretoday.
“There’s no doubt about it, it’s going to be extremely challenging. The field’s incredible and I think that’s a testament to the tournament, everyone talks so highly of starting off the year here in Brisbane.”
This summer will be the sixth time Millman has played the Brisbane International, a tournament that has produced some of his best tennis.
In 2013, he took top seed Andy Murray (GBR) to three sets in the second round. Then in 2015, Millman made global headlines after leading Roger Federer (SUI) a set and a break before falling in three.
“I’ve always loved the challenge, I’ve always loved playing the top guys and what better place to do it than here in front of a home crowd. This is the level you want to play at and the challenge you want to have,” Millman added.
Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson said it was an easy decision to award Millman a wildcard after his impressive year and remarkable track record in Brisbane.
“John first debuted at the Brisbane International in 2010 and over the years he’s played some of the most memorable matches on Pat Rafter Arena,” Pearson said.
“In 2017 John made his Davis Cup debut against Belgium and he also made the third round of the US Open; he thoroughly deserves this wildcard into the Brisbane International.”
Millman will join fellow Australian players Ash Barty (Qld), Sam Stosur (Qld) and Nick Kyrgios (ACT) in the main draw.
It’s a stellar men’s draw for the tenth edition of the tournament, with the field set to include world No.1 Rafael Nadal (ESP), Andy Murray (GBR), Grigor Dimitrov (BUL), Milos Raonic (CAN) and Kei Nishikori (JPN).
Brisbane International tickets are on sale now via Ticketek.
