Beaten but unbowed, John Millman will return to Brisbane confident his Wimbledon run can kick-start another memorable US Open campaign.
Millman went out to big-serving American Sam Querrey 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-8) 6-3 in Saturday’s third round clash and immediately booked flights home for some much-needed rest and recuperation.
Despite breaking Querrey’s serve early on in the match and having a pair of set points in the second set, Millman’s quest for a fourth-round spot at the All England Club for the first time faltered on Court 17.
A philosophical Millman insisted he was happy with his week’s work in southwest London as the giant American, who hurled down 27 aces, continued his outstanding Wimbledon record.
The 31-year-old has already knocked out world No.4 Dominic Thiem in the first round and beat reigning champions Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray in 2016 and 2017.
“At a place like this you really want to stay here as long as possible. It’s what you dream of as a kid playing on this hallowed turf,” Millman said.
“I came up against a guy who is a very accomplished grass-court player and is in some really good form on a surface he feels really comfortable on.
“I was well aware how the tough the challenge was, but it was close, it really was. It’s those fine margins and I was on the rough end of the stick.”
“This tournament was really important for me in turning around a couple of tough draws I have had and getting some momentum back.
“You have ebbs and flows in a season and you have to capitalise when you have an opportunity.
“I was able to do that up until the third round. I would have love to have gone deeper but at the end of the day I was one of 32 men remaining in the draw and I can be proud of that.”
After almost four months living out of a suitcase away from home Millman said he was desperate to get back home and then begin preparations for the American swing season in Atlanta on July 22.
“When you are an Australian tennis player we are in a unique situation,” he said.
“I was in Europe before the Monte Carlo Masters in April, which has probably been a little too long.
“Tennis is such a physical game, but also mentally draining.
“I really do feel as if I play my best tennis when I get up for every single point and that is draining.
“I am going to look at some flights later and get home and have a bit of R&R with the family.”