In this file photo dated April 19, 2022, Australia's John Millman returns the ball to Austria’s Dominic Thiem during their single tennis match at the Serbia Tennis Open ATP 250 series tournament in Belgrade. (PHOTO / AFP)

SYDNEY - Australian tennis elite John Millman on Thursday announced his decision to end his professional playing career at the Australian Open 2024.

"All good things come to an end. After the upcoming Australian Summer, I'll be retiring from professional tennis," said the 34-year-old veteran who turned professional in 2006.

"I'm incredibly grateful for all the support I've had throughout my career. It's been a thrilling ride living out a dream I had as a kid," he wrote in a social media post.

Before retiring at the season-opening Grand Slam event on his home soil, Millman will also represent Australia at the second edition of the United Cup.

In an exclusive interview with Channel Nine, the Brisbane-born player revealed that the decision was made due to his age and persistent injuries.

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Australia's John Millman hits a return against Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their men's singles match on day three of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Jan 18, 2023.

"I can still play at a high level I feel, but not day-in, day-out. The body's not letting me. All those years of being physical on court have caught up with me," said Millman.

"It's been a fantastic career, but I'm ready to try something else," he noted.

According to Tennis Australia, Millman plans to study at university next year.

After undergoing right shoulder surgery in 2013 and groin surgery in 2017, Millman achieved a career-high singles ranking of world number 33 in 2018.

During the 2018 US Open, he upset five-time champion and then world number two Roger Federer to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal.

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Currently ranked number 436 in men's singles, Millman can use a protected ranking of number 217 to enter the 2024 Australian Open qualifying.