Bernard Tomic takes a big leap in his tennis career for the first time in six years – but it ends in absolute disaster
- Bernard Tomic’s recent results are his best in years
- The 31-year-old is approaching a place in the top 200
Forgotten Australian tennis star Bernard Tomic has reached his most important professional tour final in six years, but ultimately set a very embarrassing record in the process.
Tomic, 31, was defeated in record time by rising American star Learner Tien in the final of the Fairfield Challenger in San Francisco on Monday morning, with a 6-0 6-1 defeat in just 39 minutes.
The former junior world number 1 said he did not have ‘the legs’ to keep up with his 18-year-old opponent after an exhausting tournament.
“When I lost the first two or three games, it was mentally difficult to stay on track,” Tomic said afterwards.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t keep up with my legs.”
Tennis reporter Bastien Fachan commented on the situation, noting that the score was the same as when the Australian recorded the fastest defeat in ATP Tour history.
It was an interesting tournament for Tomic, who was once regarded as one of the most exciting prospects Australia had ever produced.
Tomic was in the 800s just over two years ago, and many predicted his tennis career was over.
Bernard Tomic (pictured) set an unwanted record in his first ATP Challenger final since 2018, losing the match in record time
However, his performance at the Fairfield event had been impressive – and had he won he might have put himself in contention for qualification for the Australian Open early next year.
Tennis commentator Mike Cation noted how quickly the final was played.
“It feels like we just made the introduction,” Cation said.
“That’s A) The student is so good, but B) that’s what happens at the end of the week when someone who is a veteran, has put in so much effort all week, that next level of keeping up the pace with a player of the caliber of student Tien.
“That will be the question for Bernie moving forward here, but a fantastic week, the first final in six years, since 2018. It is certainly a big step, but the day belongs to Student Ten.”
Tomic earned 44 ranking points during the tournament, moving him closer to the top 200 than he has been in four years.
The controversial Australian opened up earlier this year about the mental struggles he has endured over the years.
The former junior world number 1 said after the match that he did not have ‘the legs’ to keep up with his 18-year-old opponent
The controversial Australian (pictured with girlfriend Keely Hannah) has achieved his best set of results in many years
‘The tour is very difficult. Tennis is a very isolated sport. It’s very tough mentally and you’re traveling alone,” Tomic told Sportskeeda.
‘You don’t play team sports like football or basketball. You’re on your own. There is a lot of traveling involved and a lot of time spent alone. You have to figure out how to feel good mentally and when to recharge your batteries.
“I also struggled for three to four years. I was able to turn it around and feel better mentally. When you travel for many, many years from a young age, it can really affect you mentally.
‘The sport can really exhaust you. You have to figure out what is best for you mentally and always find a way to be positive and move forward. In tennis you have to be mentally sound.’