After Nadal, Tomic aims for top 100
Australian star Bernard Tomic confident of making the top 100 after pushing Nadal on the Australian Open’s big stage.
MELBOURNE:
Rising Australian star Bernard Tomic was confident of breaking the top 100 after pushing world number one Rafael Nadal on the Australian Open’s big stage.
The 199th-ranked Tomic, 18, broke Nadal twice and was far from disgraced in losing 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 to the nine-time Grand Slam champion, who applauded him from the court.
The tall right-hander held his own in rallies with Nadal and showcased an imposing forehand, and later said he had learned some valuable lessons.
“I’m happy the way I played,” said Tomic. “You know, I’ve learnt a lot.
“I played really good in that second set, felt really good. I’m happy with where my level was and where I need to improve.”
Tomic said the performance only reinforced his belief that he can crack the top 100 on the back of a heavier playing schedule this year.
“I think absolutely, if I play well, you know, I’ll definitely be in the top 100,” said the 18-year-old.
“If I’m healthy during the year and I play a lot of tournaments, there’s no doubt about it, I can break the top 100.”
Tomic, who admitted he struggled to sleep the night before the match and described the Spaniard as a “machine”, said he also appreciated some wise words of advice from Nadal.
“He said ‘very good play, keep working hard in the future’,” said Tomic.
“That’s something I’ll take from a player like that. He’s a true champion and it’s very nice to get that advice from him.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 23rd, 2011.
Rising Australian star Bernard Tomic was confident of breaking the top 100 after pushing world number one Rafael Nadal on the Australian Open’s big stage.
The 199th-ranked Tomic, 18, broke Nadal twice and was far from disgraced in losing 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 to the nine-time Grand Slam champion, who applauded him from the court.
The tall right-hander held his own in rallies with Nadal and showcased an imposing forehand, and later said he had learned some valuable lessons.
“I’m happy the way I played,” said Tomic. “You know, I’ve learnt a lot.
“I played really good in that second set, felt really good. I’m happy with where my level was and where I need to improve.”
Tomic said the performance only reinforced his belief that he can crack the top 100 on the back of a heavier playing schedule this year.
“I think absolutely, if I play well, you know, I’ll definitely be in the top 100,” said the 18-year-old.
“If I’m healthy during the year and I play a lot of tournaments, there’s no doubt about it, I can break the top 100.”
Tomic, who admitted he struggled to sleep the night before the match and described the Spaniard as a “machine”, said he also appreciated some wise words of advice from Nadal.
“He said ‘very good play, keep working hard in the future’,” said Tomic.
“That’s something I’ll take from a player like that. He’s a true champion and it’s very nice to get that advice from him.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 23rd, 2011.