1 December 2010 | Tennis Queensland

Talented Queenslander John Millman’s excellent form in 2010 has earned him a wildcard into the Brisbane International.

Tennis Australia’s national selectors granted Millman a wildcard into the men’s field leaving just two wildcards remaining which are expected to be announced within the next few days.

“John has won three events in 2010, in Sacramento and two Australian Pro Tour events, and has been a finalist on three additional occasions,” Davis Cup coach and national selector Todd Woodbridge explained. 

“He has lifted his ranking to No.204, more than 100 places higher than this time last year and deserves this opportunity.”

“John is a local Queenslander and has a phenomenal attitude and commitment to the game of tennis.  This is a great opportunity for him and I am sure the Queensland crowd will get right behind him in January”

Millman, who is coached by Milo Bradley as part of the Davis Cup Squad, said it is an honour to play in front of his home-crowd.

“It is obviously fantastic news to receive a Brisbane International wildcard in my home city,” Millman said.

“My friends and family in Brisbane have always been a source of great support and encouragement, so to be able to compete in front of them, amongst some of the best players in the world, will be a great experience.

“I am honoured to have been selected as a wildcard for this event and I want to do Queensland proud.”

On last year’s experience at the Brisbane International, Millman said it was amazing to play on Pat Rafter Arena in front of a packed crowd.

“It was extremely daunting playing against the No.12 in the world and the 2009 Brisbane International Champion, Radek (Stepanek).  But since then I have competed at every Grand Slam and performed well at them so I think I am a stronger player for having the experience at Brisbane earlier this year,” the 21-year-old said.

Brisbane International Tournament Director Steve Ayles welcomed the local addition to the main draw.

“What a great opportunity for a young Queenslander to show what he can do in front of his home-town crowd,” Ayles said.

“Last year John played the No.2 seed Radek Stepanek in his first round clash and he gave all Queensland tennis fans a lot to cheer about.  It was one of the most enthusiastic and supportive tennis crowds I have seen.

“John’s addition adds a strong local presence to the event and I have no doubt he will give the other competitors a challenge in January.”

The men’s wildcard will join world No.4 Robin Soderling, reigning champion and No.8 Andy Roddick, No.9 Fernando Verdasco, No.16 American Mardy Fish and crowd favourite No.20 Marcos Baghdatis in the men’s draw.
 
Brisbane International 2011 series packages and single sessions are on sale now.

Ground passes for the event are $12.90 with the qualifying event on Friday 31 December and Saturday 1 January 2011 remaining free.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au/brisbaneinternational  or call 1300 888 104.