19 October 2018 | Tennis Queensland

Queensland’s John Millman and Jason Kubler have been recognised for their resilience and grit after being nominated as the ATP World Tour Comeback Player of the Year.

 

The duo were listed alongside World No. 2 Novak Djokovic (SRB) and World No. 11 Kei Nishikori (JPN) as players to be acknowledged for overcoming serious injury and re-establishing themselves as one of the top players on the ATP World Tour.

 

The winner will be decided by a vote of ATP players and announced ahead of the Nitto ATP Finals in London next month.

 

29 year old Millman created world headlines and sparked “Millmania” across Australia when he defeated Roger Federer (SUI) in the fourth round of the US Open to reach his first Grand Slam quarter final in September.

 

Millman’s current career high ranking of No. 33 has followed two shoulder surgeries and a groin operation.

 

Kubler broke into the world’s top 100 in August for the first time in a season in which he qualified for Wimbledon and beat World No.19 Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) at the US Open.

Kubler was No. 945 in the world fourteen months ago and now sits at a career high of No. 91.   

Millman reacted to the nomination on social media, indicating he will vote for fellow Queenslander, Kubler.  

 

“Nominated for the second time as ATP Comeback Player of the Year. This award is more about the team behind the scenes and what they have sacrificed to get me back. I thank them,” Millman said.

 

“Kei and Novak are incredible athletes and have done such a great job. I have to say though for me there is only one winner. Consecutive surgeries, never been inside 100 before, told he couldn’t play on hardcourt anymore, started with no ranking, no money in the bank when making that comeback…literally starting from scratch. And you’re telling me someone else is more deserving than Jason Kubler?”

 

Kubler said the nomination is recognition for the many hours spent soul searching and the hard work to regain his fitness.

 

“This nomination means a lot. There has been many tough moments in my career, coming back from so many surgeries has not been easy. But I have had a breakthrough year and I am proud of myself and thank all of the people who have stood by me on this road.”

 

Tennis Queensland’s Chief Executive Mark Handley congratulated both players on their nomination.

 

“John and Jason are great examples of how hard work and tenacity can pay off. We are so proud of what they have achieved this year on the ATP World Tour but more importantly who they both are as people,” Handley said.

 

“John and Jason train at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane when they are not on the world tour and our Academy players benefit from seeing their work ethic and humble approach. ”

 

Millman has confirmed he will start his Australian summer of tennis at the Brisbane International on December 30, 2018.