Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Millman ready to give it a crack

Late-blooming John Millman is hopeful of making another memorable Wimbledon run after his unforgettable debut last year.

John Millman is vowing to "give it a red hot crack" as he returns for an encore to his spectacular Wimbledon debut last year.

Millman emerged from years in the tennis wilderness, battling injury after injury, to reach the second round from qualifying in 2015.

The affable Queenslander eventually ran out of gas from two sets up against former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis, but walked away almost $100,000 richer and with spots in future grand slam draws secured.

A year on and Millman is back at The All England Club ranked 67th in the world - after climbing to a career-high No.60 last month - and once again hoping to make an impact.

"It's awesome. It's a privilege to be here," Millman said ahead of his first-round date with Spanish veteran Albert Montanes.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"I'm a bit more comfortable with it this time and I'm a bit more familiar with the surroundings.

"Obviously, I've had a little bit more time to prepare for it this time; it wasn't kind of qualify one day, next day the shock of actually being here."

Millman took out tough campaigner Tommy Robredo on his dream run last year and welcomed a slightly more favourable draw on his second visit.

Montanes has fallen out of top 100, presenting Millman with a big opportunity to defend his rankings points.

Not that he's taking the Spaniard lightly.

"Everyone has deserved their spot at this tournament and Montanes is no different," Millman said.

"I think he's played the Championships 12 or 13 times, so that's 11 more times than me, so he's got a few more years of experience.

"He's going to be extremely competitive and a really tough veteran that knows his game and knows his trade and knows what this is all about.

"It's a decent draw and I feel if I'm on top of my game, I can give it a red hot crack."


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world