Aussie tennis cult hero John Millman has announced he is retiring.
Australia will get one final time to see the 34-year-old in action at the 2024 Aussie Open, beginning January 14, before he walks away from his playing career.
The former world No. 34 — who famously rocked Roger Federer at the 2018 US Open — has confirmed his decision is the result of injuries, including a chronic back problem.
Millman has been plagued by injuries throughout his career.
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“All good things come to an end,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“After the upcoming Australian Summer I’ll be retiring from professional tennis.
“I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’ve had throughout my career. It’s been a thrilling ride living out a dream I had as a kid.”
Millman said on Friday morning he would still have been able to play at a “decent” level, but wasn’t able to play out the “grinding” 11-month tour that would have allowed him to keep picking up points to protect his ranking on the ATP Tour.
He told SEN the last 12 months has been particularly “difficult” as injuries denied him a chance to make a comeback.
He walks away having given Australian tennis plenty of cherished memories.
The Queenslander was the first Australian to topple Federer at a grand slam since Pat Rafter at the 1999 French Open, when Federer was still a teenager, AAP reported.
His five-set epic against Federer at the 2020 Aussie Open remains one of the greatest matches the Open has seen.
He is now being celebrated across the tennis world — for the class he showed on and off the field during his career.
Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli posted on Twitter: “John Millman typified Queensland spirit and decency on and off the court. His five set thriller against Roger Federer remains one of the greatest displays of grit and determination.
“We wish you well in the next chapter of your life.”
American tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg was full of admiration for the Aussie.
“I remember saying in 2018 that John Millman could and should have won *three* of the major ATP awards for that season: Comeback, Most Improved, and Sportsmanship,” he posted on Twitter.
“He was a hugely positive and impressive presence in the sport.”
Millman is expected to move into the media following the Aussie Open having previously featured as a TV commentator for Channel 9 and a columnist for news.com.au.
