Local Australian Open hope John Millman says he’s keeping Melbourne’s air quality in perspective as fears grow that bushfire smoke will affect the year’s first major.
Millman, the second-ranked Australian male in action, has warmed up for his home slam in New Zealand – all the while keeping his mind on those affected by the unprecedented fires.
“Really, it’s just a game of tennis,” he told AAP.
“I’m being pretty holistic about the whole summer of tennis.
“There’s a lot bigger things happening in Australia than the Australian Open and my health and safety. There’s a lot of Australians hurting and that’s the bigger picture, not whether I can breathe on court or not.”
A dousing of rain has improved Melbourne’s air quality from dramatic readings earlier this week which plunged qualifying into chaos.
Millman was making a late arrival to Melbourne Park after taking a non-traditional route to the Open, travelling to Auckland rather than staying in Australia for the country’s biggest month of tennis.
The likeable Queenslander said he “wasn’t really chased” by Adelaide International organisers but had no qualms about leaving the country for his preparations.
“I thought the conditions in Auckland would suit me a bit better. In Adelaide it’s flying a fair bit with the drier conditions,” said the 2018 US Open quarter-finalist.
“I thought I had a better chance to get some matches going into the Aussie Open and decided to go down the New Zealand route.
“They’ve done a good job here and I’m really impressed … there’s a lot of support with sponsors and spectators. It’s been a good change-up.”
Millman arrives in Melbourne with a 4-1 record for the year, including impressive wins over top-25 players Felix Auger Aliassime and Karen Khachanov.
He was ousted by Benoit Paire in the ASB Classic quarter-finals on Thursday night and faces another Frenchman who chose Auckland for his build-up, Ugo Humbert, in the first round of the Australian Open.
“There are a lot of positives to take away after the week. I’m playing some pretty decent tennis,” Millman said.
“I’m confident with where my game’s at and have a good grasp of where I’m at heading into the Aussie Open and that’s what you want.
“You want to get a few runs on the board and I’ve done that.”