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The professional game has been suspended since
March because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the International
Tennis Federation, WTA and ATP have put back plans for a
resumption until August at the earliest.
Millman, a 16-year veteran of the ATP Tour and ranked 43rd in
the world, says even that would probably be premature.
"I feel as if it is probably way too early to get back into it
or even thinking about returning in August," the 30-year-old
told Australian Associated Press.
"Indian Wells, the last tournament we were meant to play, was
cancelled because there was one case in the region. It is a bit
of a contradiction if they say come August 'there are cases
around but you guys can travel and play some tennis'.
"But money talks at times and our hand could be forced,
unfortunately.
"What is more important - money or the health of not just
yourself but the community?" he added. "We will see what is
tennis's priority."
Given players, many of whom can ill-afford it, have been starved
of income during the lockdown, Millman thought it would be hard
for them to resist the call to return whether they felt safe or
not.
"Unfortunately, when the tour says we are back playing your hand
is forced a bit because it is your career at stake," he added.
Millman said he would have to be certain it was safe before
returning to tournament play and did not anticipate that
happening any time soon.
"Players would have to be coming from places where the virus
isn't there any more and going to tournaments where the virus
isn't there any more," he said.
"For that to happen on a global stage, I think we are a fair way
off that."
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)
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