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After causing one of tennis history's greatest upsets earlier this month by defeating 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in the US Open, John Millman has booked his place to compete in the Brisbane International to kick off the 2019 season.
With 100 days to go before the start of the tournament, Millman has confirmed he will return to his favourite venue the Pat Rafter Arena where he has previously taken both Federer and Andy Murray to three sets.
At 29 years of age, the tenacious tennis star recently reached a career high ranking of 37 after competing in his first ever Grand Slam quarterfinal where he was ultimately beaten by the eventual US Open champion Novak Djokovic.
"I am really looking forward to coming back home and playing in front of all the fans who gave me so much support during my US Open run," Millman said.
"There was so much excitement around Australia and I am determined to keep producing that level of tennis in Brisbane."
Brisbane International tournament director Cameron Pearson expects big crowds at Pat Rafter Arena for Millman's matches.
"John captured the attention of all of Australia when he pulled off that stunning win over Roger Federer in the fourth round of the US Open. Tennis became front page news and everyone seemed to catch Millmania," Pearson said.
"I am delighted that John will be returning to the Brisbane International where his fans - old and new - can watch him compete against the best in the world."
Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion and world No.1 Rafael Nadal (ESP) announced in June that he will launch his Australian season at the Brisbane International this summer.
The Spanish superstar first played Brisbane in 2017 with the tournament proving the perfect preparation for his Australian Open campaign. The 31-year-old went on to reach the final at Melbourne Park against his greatest rival Federer.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones welcomed the announcement that John Millman will be one of the headline players at Brisbane.
"John Millman is a true Queenslander and an inspiration to young tennis players everywhere so to have him playing at the Brisbane International is a real coup," she said.
"His stunning win against Roger Federer earlier this year at the US Open shocked the world and now tennis fans from across Queensland and Australia will get to see him first hand at one of the country's best and most loved tennis events."
Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the crowd at the Brisbane International will be on hand and ready to welcome home John Millman following his outstanding run in the US Open.
"The Brisbane International continues to be one of the most popular events of Brisbane's sporting calendar, and welcoming home John to be a part of it will be a major drawcard for tennis fans both near and far," Quirk said.
"Brisbane's commitment to attracting major events has a significant impact on our economy, injecting more than $150 million into the city's economy each year."
Brisbane International 2019 supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, will be held at Queensland Tennis Centre from 30 December 2018 to 6 January 2019. The tournament is part of the Emirates Australian Open Series.
Pre-sale tickets are available from today and corporate hospitality packages are available to purchase here. Single session tickets will go on sale via Ticketek on Thursday 4 October 2018.
Photo: Getty Images
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