Millman cherishing Murray showdown

A year after getting lost on the way to his Wimbledon debut, Australian battler John Millman is cherishing his inspired journey to a showcourt showdown with second seed Andy Murray.

And in doing so, he’s won the hearts of the British press – and hopes to do the same with the public, even if it comes at the expense of the local hero.

The humble star, who on Thursday beamed about his Olympic call-up after winning through to the Wimbledon third round for the first time, admits Saturday’s clash with Murray will tick off a number of career firsts.

Not only is it his first time in the third round at the All England Club, it will also be the first time he’s set foot inside Centre Court or Court One.

It’s why, after contemplating retirement due to shocking shoulder injuries that temporarily forced the Queenslander out of the game and into an office job, Millman won’t be taking anything for granted as he attempts to force his way into a maiden fourth-round grand-slam appearance.

“You dream of playing on the biggest courts against the biggest players,” Millman said.

“I feel as if I deserve to be there. I have played two good matches to get through.

“And third round Wimbledon, it’s uncharted territory for me.

“But how good is it? You know, this is what you live for.

“I know that tennis can change pretty quickly and I know you’re one big injury away from being back at university.

“These are the matches you live for and these are the ones you will remember for the rest of your life.

“I plan to go out there and I plan to make the most of it, and I plan to put up a great showing.

“I hope that I can deliver and I hope that maybe I might even turn a few of the crowd (and) they will go for me a tiny bit.”

The world No.67 insists he won’t be intimidated by the two-time grand slam champion, who won Wimbledon in 2013.

“I have never been one to necessarily go out with an intimidated mindset before I play,” Millman said.

“That’s kind of being disrespectful to the game.

“So we are going to start at love-all. I’m going to give it everything.”

Murray’s imperious 17-0 tour-level record against Australians is one thing counting against Millman, but the 27-year-old has an impressive history against British players.

He has three wins to go with one loss, and at the Brisbane International in 2013 he took a set off Murray – something very few Australians have done at any level.

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