3 minute read
John Millman has saluted his mates in the "Australian travelling circus" who've helped keep him going on his global tennis tour, amid the toughest of seasons.
John Millman admits he was left depressed when he set off on his lengthiest of global tennis tours, out of form and uncertain as to when he'd ever return home.
But the 31-year-old says he's been kept going and things are looking up thanks to his girlfriend and coach - and a close circle of fellow players he dubs "the travelling circus from Australia".
"We go week to week and try to lift each other up if one of us is down," Millman said, after his 6-4 6-2 second-round loss to in-form Matteo Berrettini at the Italian Open.
"It actually helps to kind of lean on them.
"We've just got to get through it in one piece, because we're Aussies abroad, we're alone over here and battling through."
Millman's a no-nonsense Queenslander and isn't looking for sympathy.
"There's lots of bigger things than Aussie tennis players abroad, so I don't want it to come across as a bit of a sob story," he said.
"I have seen the cricketers pop it a bit."
But, mentally, the country's No.2 men's player says "being an Australian is probably the toughest thing in tennis right now", being on the road for 10 months and not sure when you'll see home again.
"When I went away, I was probably a bit depressed because I knew that I was going away for like 10 or 11 months," the world No.42, now in his 15th year as a pro, said.
"I can't stress the mental challenge of it but I'm in a much better place now - and kind of have come to terms with a 10-and-a-half month trip."
There are two things have really boosted his spirits.
"It does help when you're winning some matches, I'll tell you," he said, thinking about his improved form on his far-from-favourite clay courts.
The other thing has been the support of his girlfriend Fee Maeueler, coach Peter Luczak and camaraderie with other players.
"Obviously, (Aussie No.1) Alex de Minaur, I'm really close with. Then there's 'Thommo' (Jordan Thompson), JP (John-Patrick Smith) and Matty Ebden, Luke Saville and Maxie Purcell, Johnny Peers.
"That's kind of the bunch I would say that are together with the travelling circus from Australia... because we're sharing the same journey, we are experiencing the same feelings.
"We really try to lift each other up... But, look, the future is bright because I know the ATP have been working hard.
"Hopefully the bubbles will start to open up a little bit.
"I think post-Wimbledon it looks maybe a little more optimistic.
"And hopefully we can go well in the season and finish it with our rankings somewhere intact and live to fight another season when the conditions are a little easier for the Aussies.
"And we can get home."
