Australian tennis battler John Millman has struck grand slam gold, booking a dream US Open date with Roger Federer and banking a cheque for $370,000 to boot.
“I will definitely go to the prize money desk and collect my cheque. That’s for sure,” Millman said after his life-changing 6-4 4-6 6-1 6-3 third-round triumph over Mikhail Kukushkin at Flushing Meadows.
But Millman doesn’t play for the money.
The 29-year-old plays for love and now he’s reaping the rewards.
In addition to his first-time appearance in a grand slam second week, Millman will also crack the world’s top 50 for the first time and earn a coveted place on Lleyton Hewitt’s Davis Cup team for Australia’s historic tie against Austria this month.
“If I had played tennis for the money, I would have quit a long, long time ago because I have come from the scraps just about on the tour,” he said.
“For me, it was more about being able to create that opportunity to put myself in a position where I am playing second week of a grand slam. That is very special.”
It wasn’t so long ago that Millman feared his injury-plagued career was over.
“I’ve had three surgeries in my career, two shoulders and the last one a groin, and every time I’ve had extreme doubts if would get back,” he said.
“But I have a great team around me that pick me up when I feel sorry for myself. Without them, I wouldn’t have this opportunity.”
And what an opportunity it is: the great Federer on tennis’s biggest stage after the Swiss denied Nick Kyrgios an all-Australian showdown with Millman with a 6-4 6-1 7-5 dispatch of the Canberran in a vintage display.
Millman spent several days training with Federer at the 20-times grand slam’s Swiss base before Wimbledon and says he won’t be overawed.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Roger. He’s got an aura about him. Definitely a player I’ve looked up to throughout my career,” MIllman said.
“But have never been a fan of playing anyone’s reputation. When you go out on court, I think it’s about engaging in a battle.
“I definitely won’t be thinking about those things. I want to start off at love-all and not already being behind the eight ball and playing someone’s reputation.
“If you do that, I think you can get bogged down and you’re in a bit of trouble.
“I will relish the opportunity.”