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“I had a look at his draw and I really like it for him.
“Obviously slams are tough, but I think with his game and how comfortable he is on grass and how many matches he’s played, I think he can definitely make a big run here. I’m pretty confident in that.”
Looking beyond 22-year-old Jubb in the first round, a boon fixture for the British audience and local organisers, Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas lurks as a potential third-round opponent for Kyrgios.
AUSSIE MEN AT WIMBLEDON: FIRST ROUND
- Thanasi KOKKINAKIS v Kamil Majchrzak (POL)
- John MILLMAN v Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB)
- James DUCKWORTH v Andy Murray (GB)
- Max PURCELL v Adrian Mannarino (FRA)
- Alex DE MINAUR v Hugo Dellien (BOL)
- Nick KYRGIOS v Paul Jubb (GB)
- Jordan THOMPSON v Roberto Carballes Baena (SPA)
- Jason KUBLER v Daniel Evans (GB)
- Alexei POPYRIN v Hugo Gaston (FRA)
Should the Australian get beyond that, who knows what can happen?
Australian veteran John Millman, when pressed on the best possible outcome for Kyrgios on the London grass said: “I think you have to ask him that.
“He said he’s the best player on grass in the world, so the best outcome would be for him to win it. [But, in that case], you’re just quoting him.”
Amid debate on the rightful world No.1 right now with Rafael Nadal already a winner of two majors in 2022 and Novak Djokovic’s participation at events limited by his decision to not get vaccinated for COVID-19, Millman said it was pretty clear that the Serbian was the best player on grass and thus the tournament favourite.
“I think Novak’s proven it. He’s got runs on the board with the rest of the field,” said Millman.
“With the start of the year that’s Rafa’s had - winning two out of two slams is an incredible effort - but Rafa hasn’t graced the grass courts for a little bit.
“There’s obviously probably a few little question marks over his foot [injury]. If we’re talking in cricket terms - runs on the board - it has got to be Novak. He’s an unbelievable player, isn’t he? He’s the one to beat.”
A member of the ATP player council, which facilitated the ATP’s bold move to strip time-honoured Wimbledon of rankings status, Millman had last month launched a stinging attack on the club, angered by what he said was unilateral decision-making and a lack of consultation.
There hasn’t necessarily been blowback for the Queenslander, however.
AUSSIE WOMEN AT WIMBLEDON: FIRST ROUND
- Ajla TOMLJANOVIC v Jil Teichmann (SUI)
- Jaimee FOURLIS v Kirsten Flipkens (BEL)
- Zoe HIVES v Maria Sakkari (GRE)
- Daria SAVILLE v Viktoriya Tomova (BUL)
- Astra SHARMA v Tatjana Maria (GER)
- Maddison INGLIS v Dalma Galfi (HUN)
“Not particularly,” Millman said. “I think a lot of people are understanding. There are always going to be people that, you know, have their opinion.
“Sometimes their opinions are right, and sometimes they’re wrong. It’s been a really challenging time to be part of the council.”
Despite some speculation and expectation that a host of players could opt to skip Wimbledon due to the lack of points on offer, prestige has won out.
“Wimbledon is just one of those special places,” Millman said.
“When you walk through the gates of Wimbledon, for me in particular I’m not really thinking about the ranking points, or prizemoney. I’m thinking about getting to play on these courts - it’s hallowed turf for us tennis players.
“I can’t really say there’s too much chat going on in the locker room [about rankings].”
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