Millman aims for Cup spot, top 50
A FIT-AGAIN John Millman will use his Brisbane International wildcard as a launching pad for Davis Cup retention.
Australia will open their 2018 campaign at Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Arena in February against a German team led by world No.4 Alexander Zverev.
Millman will begin his summer at the same venue in January, aiming to make the world’s top 50 for the first time and finally reach his potential.
The Brisbane product was officially added to the stacked men’s field yesterday, joining world No.1 Rafael Nadal, for- mer No.1 Andy Murray in his return from injury, and Australian livewire Nick Kyrgios.
It is a well-earnt wildcard given the 28-year-old’s comeback since groin surgery stalled his progress last year.
After almost eight months on the sidelines, Millman progressed to the third round at the US Open and was subsequently rewarded with a surprise Davis Cup debut in a semi-final loss in Belgium.
Millman knows performances in Brisbane and then Melbourne’s Australian Open will govern who gets the nod for the German tie, with Thanasi Kokkinakis and Jordan Thompson also in the frame to play singles alongside Kyrgios.
“I’ve given myself the opportunity again and I feel like I haven’t quite reached that peak, that potential, and that I’ve got a little bit more to give,” Millman said.
“I’ll help out in whatever capacity (against Germany), whether that’s cheering from afar or on court.”
But he said “the cherry on top would be to get another run in Davis Cup”.
Millman contemplated retirement following two shoulder reconstructions about four years ago, but soldiered on to reach a career-high ranking of 60 in the world last year. His latest injury setback has seen him drop to No.128, but a protected ranking allowed him to play enough big tournaments to gain some ground at the back end of this year.
“I’d really established myself on tour (before the groin injury), but another surgery and to be out for so long was extremely challenging,” Millman said.
“But I’m in a position now to get inside that top 50; I feel like that’s really achievable.”
The Davis Cup tie will be played from February 2-4, while the Brisbane International begins on December 31.