Australian Open fans have been encouraged to get on the booze ahead of John Millman’s clash with Roger Federer – although please do so responsibly.
The Aussie underdog is hoping to pull off another huge upset just like his 2018 US Open victory over the Swiss star.
However, the odds are stacked against Millman for this battle on Rod Laver Arena.
It is yet to be seen who will have the lion’s share of support as the pair battle it out on Melbourne Park’s centre court.
Millman was hoping to have the clash scheduled on Melbourne Arena so regular ground pass holders could attend.
But the 30-year-old’s wish was denied by tournament director Craig Tiley, which was a huge relief to world No 3 Federer.
However, Millman still reckons he could get an advantage if his supporters got drunk to increase the volume on Rod Laver Arena.
“Yeah, look, I love a vocal crowd,” the world No 47 said.
“I like feeding off the crowd’s energy. I try to bring that physicality, and sometimes you need that little bit of motivation on the sidelines.
“I love playing on that court, actually, in Show Court Three. I have had some really good moments there. And, you know, the more rowdy they are, the drunker they are, the better!”
Millman also called for the Australian Open to feed supporters a strong Chinese liquor Luzhou Laojiao – which sponsors the event.
“I reckon, I don’t know who the sponsors are this week, it used to be Jacobs Creek,” Millman added. “It might say. I don’t know. I know that the Chinese one’s a really strong alcohol, so let’s feed the crowd.
“I don’t encourage binge drinking, guys, so please don’t quote me on that.
“Look, the Australian Open, it’s not just a tennis event now. It should be an entertainment event. I think our organisers have done an incredible job to not just make it a tennis spectacle.
“And we are an entertainment business and we’ve got to get people from all walks of life through the gates and appreciating tennis and all the other things.
“I love it. I use the crowd. I love the support that I get here in Melbourne. It makes the matches really memorable and worthwhile.”
Meanwhile, Millman talked down his chances of causing an upset.
“I played some really, really great tennis [at the US Open]. He probably didn’t play his best tennis,” he said. “I managed to do something that not many people thought I could do. It was an awesome experience.
“But I do know that that doesn’t really count for anything now. It’s probably the toughest test in tennis to versus Roger Federer.
“I think a lot of people think he’s one of, if not the, greatest ever to play the game.”