Sydney, Australia, 8 January 2013 | AAP

John Millman is starting to enjoy this caper of hanging around at tennis tournaments.

Mostly unknown outside major tennis circles a little over a week ago, Millman continued his well of recent good form by winning through to the last 16 of the Sydney International.

The good-humoured world No.191 brushed aside former top five player Tommy Robredo 6-3 6-4 in blistering heat at Olympic Park in what has so far been a summer to remember.

Last week he started with three qualifying wins at the Brisbane International before taking down Japan’s Tatsuma Ito.

He then pushed eventual winner and world No.3 Andy Murray to three tight sets.

And far from finding life a grind on tour – he loves it.

“When I was in Brisbane, I wanted to stay around as long as possible; now that I’m in Sydney, I want to stay as long as possible,” he said.

“I kind of like the hotel I’m staying at.”

Given Millman faces world No.23 Andreas Seppi in the round of 16 he appreciates he’ll have to pull out something even more special if he’s to earn another night’s accommodation in Sydney.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to – and I’ll do a little bit more research a little bit later – (says) he’s a tough bugger,” he said.

“He’ll definitely make me work out there. It’s going to be a really stern challenge for me, but one that I’m going to look forward to.”

Having sat out six months of 2011 with a shoulder injury, Millman spent much of 2012 getting his game back in order on the challenger tour.

He’s now keen for regular competition on the main tour and to take advantage of the wildcard he’s been handed for next week’s Australian Open.

Then there’s his brother-in-law and fellow tennis professional Robert Smeets to take care of.

Smeets is currently in hiatus from the game but did reach a world ranking of 109 back in 2008.

“I want to knock off him and then get inside that top 100. So that’s the goal,” Millman said with a grin.

“That’s what motivates me at the movement. He’s over in the States right now watching every little point I play because he knows that I’m knocking on his door.”