Tennis Update: John Millman gets wildcard at 2011 Brisbane event
The first event of the regular ATP season, the 2011 Brisbane International received its second wildcard entry today after local John Millman was given a wild card into the singles main draw after his exceptional 2010 performance.
Millman finished the 2010 season ranked 204 in the world, which was a good hundred places above his last year’s ranking. Millman clinched three titles in 2010 season. Playing in the ITF Futures Tournament, Millman bagged his career third at Berri in February defeating Greg Jones. Seven months later, Millman secured his fourth career title at Darwin. Millman also won his first event in the ATP Challenger Tour defeating Robert Kendrick at Sacramento.
Talking about getting a wildcard at the event, Millman said, “It is obviously fantastic news to receive a Brisbane International wildcard in my home city. 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.”
This would be Millman’s second appearance at the Brisbane event. He also got a wildcard entry at the event in 2010. However, he fell to Radek Stepanek in the first round in straight sets. Millman went on to play in the qualifying round for the 2010 Australian Open. Although he made it to the finals at the round, Millman failed to qualify owing to his defeat to Illya Marchenko.
Welcoming the latest addition to the event, Tournament Director Steve Ayles said, “What a great opportunity for a young Queenslander to show what he can do in front of his home-town crowd. 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.”
Millman is the first of three to receive a wildcard entry into the main draw. The other two wildcards are expected to be announced in the next few days. Millman joins world number four Robin Soderling, defending champion Andy Roddick, Fernando Verdasco and Marcos Baghdatis.
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