Australian tennis player John Millman is proud that he was able to forge a promising career on just a shoestring budget and hard work.
The 26-year-old reached a peak world ranking of 71 last year but has only recently enjoyed just a slither of success at the top level.
“My parents worked pretty hard, five jobs between them to get us to private schools – so I said to them if I’m going to do it I want to do it off the skin of my back,” said Millman on SEN radio.
“I didn’t have a whole lot of help or exposure early on so I did it myself, I travelled the world and had to do it pretty rough at times.
“Eventually I chipped away at it, a couple of shoulder surgeries later and hard work I managed to get through that top 100 last year.”
His journey to the third round of the Australian Open this summer has been rough but he would not change any of it.
Despite the disappointment of a straight sets loss to Bernard Tomic his confidence is high for the year ahead.
“Obviously, the last couple of years have become a bit easier competing a bit higher on the circuit but before that you’re sleeping on airport floors and train stations,” said Millman
“That’s not a sob story for myself, that’s the story for 95 per cent of players out there doing it like that – tennis is a top-heavy sport in terms of prize money.
“It was a very good week for me and I didn’t really want it to end and hopefully I can use this momentum I’ve got over the summer pushing forward.”
Millman was profoundly philosophical when asked what he thought of the behaviour displayed by countrymen Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic in recent times.
“I can’t really comment on how I would have reacted if I had cracked it so young, I think I’ve matured a lot especially doing it the hard way,” he said.
“I’ve become to appreciate the sport that much more and not take things for granted so much.
“I don’t know how I would have reacted if I’m making a million dollars and I’m 19-years-old, I probably would have been pretty cocky and what not.
“There’s not doubt some of our young ones can play some great tennis.”