'Super proud': Millman family reacts to shock win

The family of tennis player John Millman is elated after his shock US Open win.

John Millman with parents Shona and Ron Millman at Wimbledon.

John Millman with parents Shona and Ron Millman at Wimbledon. Source: Getty

While many Australians tuned in to watch John Millman's upset win at the US Open on Tuesday, one person just wasn't able to.

John's father Ron Millman, a teacher, was busy with his students.

"I had to teach! I've got children to look after," he told Channel 7, adding that he didn't see a single point. 

The unseeded Australian turned the tournament upside down with a fourth round win over 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer.

John Millman after defeating Roger Federer.
John Millman after defeating Roger Federer. Source: AAP
 Millman Senior joked that it certainly wasn't a regular lesson while the match was being played - with students providing him with regular score updates along the way.

"It was a bit hard to get work out of them, and me, by the way," he said.

He later told 2GB he was "super proud" of his son.




"One, he's such a good tennis player but I'm more proud of how he acts, the person he is and how he treats other people."

John's mother Shona told Channel 7 the recent years have been an emotional roller coaster.

"I've seen those low times and they're awful. And then you get the highs like each win at this US Open. [It's] been lovely to see his face, to see him so happy."

"It's lovely to see the good times because tennis is very hard. It's hard on the head, it's hard on the mind."

Ron Millman and Shona Millman speak to their son John Millman after a match at Wimbledon.
Ron Millman and Shona Millman speak to their son John Millman after a match at Wimbledon. Source: Getty


While sister Tessa Millman said she "just started crying" after the win.

"It was pretty embarrassing ... He would be on cloud nine [now]," she told 2GB.

Millman is the first Australian man to reach the quarter finals at the US Open since Lleyton Hewitt in 2006.

He will play another all-time great, Novak Djokovic on Thursday.


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2 min read

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By Nick Baker


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