How good was John Millman’s win over Roger Federer at the US Open?
The entire Ladbrokes office, and we can only assume most of the country, was transfixed by Millman’s heroic performance and his incredible victory was just rewards for well over a decade over hard work.
Millman is the now the toast of the tennis world, but what makes our newest tennis sensation tick?
We have put together this list of ten things you didn’t know about John Millman.
His Parents Owned A Tennis Centre
Millman is always quick to thank his parents, and the rest of his family, for the support that they have given him during his tennis career and they deserve all the thanks they get!
When Millman attended Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) in Brisbane, Millman’s parents purchased an entire Tennis Centre in the Brisbane suburb of Carindale to ensure that he would always have a place to practice, while still being able to stay close to home.
Sadly, the Tennis Centre did not prosper after it was sold at the Millman’s and it is now abandoned!
His Dad Is A Real Character
It is clear that the Millman family is extremely close and the patriarch of that family is Ron Millman – lovingly referred to by his family as ‘The Fox’.
The Fox has gained cult-like status among tennis fans after Millman tweeted a story during Wimbledon about how his father left him waiting outside a London pub for the better part of two hours.
The Fox was not in New York to watch his son conquer Roger Federer – John was worried that his father wouldn’t handle New York after his mis-adventures in London!
He Breached Wimbledon’s Clothing Policy In A Bizarre Way
Millman was not impressed after being stood-up by his father, but The Fox was able to get back into the good books following his involvement in a bizarre incident at Wimbledon.
Before his second round match against Milos Raonic, Millman was informed by tournaments officials that his colourful undies were in violation of Wimbledon’s famously strict all-white dress code.
Millman was forced to send The Fox to a nearby store and a new pair of undies ensured that he didn’t receive a code violation.
He Enjoys Attending The Odd Trivia Night
Millman still lives with his parents in Brisbane and, when he is in town, he is a regular attendee at his local Bowls Clubs Trivia Nights.
It is fair to say that Millman has any tennis question well and truly covered and should have no problems answering the question ‘Which Australian scored a shock win over Roger Federer at the 2018 US Open’!
He Is The Only Man To Secure A Double-Bagel Win In Olympic History
When you think of John Millman, you don’t immediately think of Olympic record holder, but he does a unique place in Olympic Tennis history.
In the opening round of the Men’s Singles at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Millman beat Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis 6-0, 6-0 to become the first men’s singles tennis player to secure a double bagel at the Olympics.
Millman was eliminated from the tournament in the second round when he went down to eventual bronze medallist Kei Nishikori.
He Loves Fantasy Sports
There is no doubt that Millman is a genuine sporting fanatic and he revealed after his win over Federer that he had to be up early in the morning for his NFL Fantasy Draft.
We can’t wait to find out whether Millman took Le’Veon Bell or Todd Gurley with the second overall pick!
He Supports Liverpool
Millman also loves his football and is a dedicated supporter of Liverpool Football Club.
Liverpool are currently $3.50 to win their maiden English Premier League title, which is substantially shorter than the $51 that Millman currently is at to win the 2018 US Open.
He Has Won Tournaments Right Around Australia & The World
Millman has done the hard-yards during his Tennis career and he has worked for many years to become an overnight sensation.
Millman has played countless lower-level tournaments in an attempt to garner rankings points and he has contested events in some truly unique locations right around the world.
He has won tournaments in Traralgon, Kalgoorlie, Berri, Darwin, Bendigo and Burnie in Australia and also triumphed in events at Kyoto, Chuncheon, Anseong, Yokohama, Lexington, Aptos, Kobe, Hua Hin and Aix-en-Provence.
He Has An Outstanding Nickname
Forget Scud, Rusty, Rocket or Newk – there is no better nickname in Australian Tennis history than Millmania.
Millmania was a term coined by Australian journalist Phill Lutton during Millman’s epic run at the 2013 Brisbane International, which ended with a heart-breaking three set loss at the hands of Andy Murray.
The term has stuck and there is no doubt that Millmania has been running wild at Flushing Meadows over the past fortnight!
He Is A Ripper Bloke
In an era where the public has struggled to embrace our tennis stars, the emergence of an outstanding bloke like Millman has been a breath of fresh air.
Millman was extremely humble following his defeat of Federer and he has been very generous with the media since.
He faces another very tough assignment against Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals, but we are hopeful that Millmania will continue!