4 February 2013 | Tennis Queensland

Queensland’s own John Millman has wrapped up his second ATP Challenger title over the weekend by taking out the Burnie International in Tasmania. The win, complementing his fiery start to the year at the Brisbane International and Australian Open, will guarantee Millman climbs the ATP rankings to an all-time best when stats are released today.

Twenty-three-year-old Millman played his best tennis to defeat Frenchman Stephane Robert 6-2 4-6 6-0 in the final on Saturday. “I came out of the blocks firing. I knew I had to because Stephane is such a competitor, such a good ball striker and he can dictate play,” he said after the match.

After a drop in intensity in the second, Millman regained control to take home the final set and give spectators, and rival Robert, a taste of his current form. “I’m very proud of myself the way I managed to get the momentum back in the third set and take the win. He wasn’t going to give it to me, I had to take it,” replayed Millman after the match.

Earlier in the week the world No.183 overcame fellow Queenslander Ben Mitchell in the first round and went on to defeat NSW’s Jordan Thompson and Victoria’s James Lemke. Millman, seeded 3, defeated Jose Statham (NZL) in the semi finals, which were also played on Saturday after rain postponed play on Thursday.

After such an exciting start to the year, Millman has proved himself as one to watch for a great year of tennis in 2013.