Wimbledon 2011: Tomic rejoint Soderling !

Vendredi 24 Juin 2011, 16:56

C'est peut-être un futur homme fort du circuit ATP qui est en train de sortir de son oeuf sur le gazon de Wimbledon. Bernard Tomic, 18 ans et 158ème au classement ATP, s'est qualifié pour le troisième tour de ces Internationaux de Grande Bretagne il y a quelques instants après avoir remonté un handicap de deux sets face à Igor Andreev.
Au final le jeune australien l'a emporté sur le score de 4/6, 5/7, 6/3, 6/4, 6/1 sur l'herbe du Court n°3 et il retrouvera ainsi Robin Soderling, dès demain, pour tenter de réaliser le premier très gros coup de sa carrière naissante.

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Wimbledon Tomic tombe Söderling

Créé le 25/06/2011 - 19:43, modifié le 25/06/2011 à 20:08

Robin Söderling, tête de série numéro 5, est tombée ce samedi à Londres dès le 3e tour de Wimbledon. Le Suédois, vainqueur en cinq sets le tour précédent face à Lleyton Hewitt, a subi la loi de Bernard Tomic, victorieux en trois manches (6-1, 6-4, 7-5). Le jeune Australien atteint les 8e de finale, son meilleur résultat dans un Grand Chelem, où il affrontera Xavier Malisse.

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Wimbledon - Tomic, la nouvelle ère



Tombeur de Robin Söderling samedi à Wimbledon, Bernard Tomic a atteint le cap des huitièmes de finale d'un tournoi du Grand Chelem pour la toute première fois de sa jeune carrière. Avec ce joueur de 18 ans, l'Australie, en pleine crise existentielle, tient peut-être sa nouvelle star masculine.

Un vent de jeunesse souffle sur le tennis australien. Ça tombe bien, celui-ci en a bien besoin. Il faut se pincer pour le croire, mais avant le début du tournoi de Wimbledon, il fallait descendre jusqu'au 130e rang pour trouver trace d'un Aussie, en l'occurrence Lleyton Hewitt. Bernard Tomic, lui, était un peu plus bas, à la 158e place. Dans une semaine, quoi qu'il arrive d'ici dimanche prochain, cette anomalie sera réparée. Grâce à Tomic. Sorti des qualifications et désormais qualifié pour les huitièmes de finale, il intègrera le Top 100 après Wimbledon et succèdera donc comme numéro un australien à Hewitt, taulier du poste depuis plus de 11 ans. Comme un symbole, Söderling avait sorti Lleyton Hewitt lors du match précédent.



Aux Antipodes, le talent de Bernard Tomic ne fait aucun doute. Malgré un caractère parfois chaotique qui lui a joué quelques tours, le natif de Stuttgart est annoncé depuis un bon moment déjà comme un futur grand. Mais ce Wimbledon 2011 marquera une étape importante pour lui. Au troisième tour, il avait gagné son premier match en 5 sets, en battant Igor Andreev. Mais samedi, il est monté bien plus haut en épinglant pour la première fois à son tableau de chasse un membre du Top 10 en la personne de Robin Söderling. Certes, le Suédois n'était pas dans un grand jour. Pris de vertiges, il a même demandé un temps mort médical en début de deuxième set.

"Mon tournoi est déjà réussi"

Mais Tomic n'y était peut-être pas étranger, tant son premier set a été époustouflant: 6-1 en 19 minutes et seulement deux points perdus sur sa mise en jeu. "Je ne pensais pas pouvoir gagner avant le match, mais le premier set m'a ouvert pas mal de portes", reconnait le jeune Australien. La suite fut à peine plus compliquée et, au final, Tomic n'a laissé que 10 jeux au double finaliste de Roland-Garros. "C'est probablement la plus belle victoire de ma carrière", a-t-il ajouté, sans qu'on trouve le moyen de le contredire. Après son troisième tour à domicile, à Melbourne, au mois de janvier, il franchit donc un nouveau cap. Il a remporté cinq matches sur sept cette saison en Grand Chelem. Pas mal, à 18 ans.

En battant Söderling samedi, Tomic est d'ailleurs devenu le premier joueur de 18 ans à atteindre la deuxième semaine de Wimbledon dans le tableau masculin depuis... 1990. Cette année là, ils étaient deux, Michael Chang et Goran Ivanisevic. Boris Becker les avaient imités quelques années avant, en 1985 et 1986. Mieux, l'Allemand s'était imposé. En un quart de siècle, Tomic n'est donc que le quatrième joueur de cet âge à accomplir cette performance. Il est aux côtés de trois vainqueurs de tournois du Grand Chelem. On a connu des compagnies moins glorieuses. "Je ne savais pas que j'étais le premier joueur de 18 ans à atteindre la deuxième semaine depuis 21 ans. C'est vraiment super", a commenté Tomic.

Et ce n'est peut-être pas fini. En huitièmes de finale, il retrouvera Xavier Malisse. Même si le Belge a étrillé Jurgen Melzer samedi, même s'il peut se prévaloir d'un statut d'ancien demi-finaliste à Londres (il y a neuf ans, quand même) et même s'il a l'expérience pour lui, il ne constitue pas un obstacle insurmontable sur le papier. "Mon tournoi est déjà réussi. Je n'ai rien à perdre mais si je peux continuer à avancer, je ne vais pas m'en priver", confie le géant de Sydney (1.93m). Toute l'Australie est derrière lui. Tomic a beau être jeune, il mesure bien à quel point l'avenir du tennis australien repose sur ses épaules. "J'espère qu'en me voyant progresser dans le classement, beaucoup d'enfants auront envie de jouer au tennis et d'aider l'Australie". Lui fait ce qu'il peut pour l'aider. Depuis huit jours, à Wimbledon, il le fait bien.

yahoo.fr
http://fr.sports.yahoo.com/26062011/70/wimbledon-tomic-la-nouvelle-ere.html

Wimbledon - Tomic ne s'arrête plus !

Créé le 27/06/2011 - 14:38

Tombeur de Söderling au 3e tour, Bernard Tomic a confirmé ce lundi devant Xavier Malisse qu'il a battu en trois petits sets (6-1, 7-5, 6-4). Le jeune Australien, 158e joueur mondial, atteint pour la première fois de sa carrière les quarts de finale d'une levée du Grand Chelem. Il y retrouvera Novak Djokovic ou Michaël Llodra.

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Bernard Tomic est rentré dans l'histoire de Wimbledon,
à 18 ans seulement.

En quarts de finale, Djokovic se frottera à Bernard Tomic (ATP 158), la nouvelle terreur australienne. Brillant tombeur du Belge Xavier Malisse (6-1 7-5 6-4 en 81'), le joueur de Gold Coast a dépoussiéré les annales du tournoi. A 18 ans, il est devenu le plus jeune quart de finaliste à Wimbledon depuis Boris Becker en 1986.
Le triple vainqueur de l'Orange Bowl (le championnat du monde juniors) est aussi le premier depuis Vladimir Voltchkov en 2000 à atteindre ce stade de la compétition après être passé par les qualifications.

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Mais d'où sort Bernard Tomic avant ce Wimbledon 2011 ?

Publié par TennisTemple.com Rédaction le Mercredi 29 Juin 2011, 13:12

Bernard Tomic est sans auncun doute la belle surprise de cette édition 2011 de Wimbledon. Issu des qualifications, l'australien de 18 ans, grand espoir du tennis mondial, a gravi quatre à quatre les marches qui le séparaient encore du gratin du tennis mondial il y quelques semaines. Tant et si bien qu'on ose aujourd'hui espérer le voir rivaliser sérieusement avec Novak Djokovic en quarts de finale.

"Tomique" et pas "Tomitch"
Né à Stuttgart en Allemagne de parents d'origine croate et bosnienne, il émigre en Australie avec sa famille à l'âge de 3 ans et demi. Malgré ses origines, il se considère donc comme étant uniquement australien et préfère qu'on prononce son nom "Tomique" à l'australienne plutôt que "Tomitch" à la croate. NDLR: Voilà qui va vous permettre de lire cet article convenablement

Une réussite précoce
Entraîné par son père John, il commence à jouer au tennis à 7 ans et ne tarde pas à se faire remarquer. Il remporte notamment le prestigieux Orange Bowl, tournoi jeune le plus important se déroulant chaque année en Floride, dans trois catégories d'âge différentes, à savoir moins de 12 ans, moins de 14 ans et moins de 16 ans, une performance unique en son genre. En 2008 il devient aussi le plus jeune joueur à remporter un tournoi du Grand Chelem junior en s'imposant chez lui, en Australie, à un peu plus de 15 ans. Il ne dépassera cependant jamais la seconde place mondiale chez les juniors.

Des débuts remarqués chez les pros
L'année suivante, en 2009, il est invité par les organisateurs de l'Open d'Australie et il parvient à franchir le premier tour, là aussi une première à son âge. Une performance qui lui permet de bondir de la 768ème à la 587ème place ATP et qui lance véritablement son ascension. Quelques semaines plus tard, toujours à Melbourne, il remporte ainsi son premier tournoi Challenger et continue sa progression au classement.

Un caractère à "coucher dehors"
S'il se fait remarquer par son talent, le jeune champion en herbe fait aussi parler de lui pour son caractère bien trempé. Il est ainsi freiné un temps dans sa course vers les sommets par une suspension d'un mois en mars 2010 suite à un altercation avec des officiels lors d'un match contre son compatriote Marinko Matosevic près de Perth. Il s'est également illustré à plusieurs reprises par quelques déclarations un peu trop prétentieuses au goût de certains.

Un avant goût face à Nadal
Au début de cette saison 2011, il passe pour la première fois deux tours dans un tournoi du Grand Chelem, là encore en Australie, en signant notamment une belle victoire sur Feliciano Lopez. Au troisième tour, il se retrouve face à la montagne Rafael Nadal contre qui il fait toutefois bien plus que de la simple figuration. Après avoir perdu le premier set il mène ainsi jusqu'à 4 jeux à 1 dans le deuxième mais il ne résiste pas au combat physique imposé par l'espagnol et il s'incline finalement en trois manches. On ne le sait pas encore mais ce n'est peut-être que partie remise.

L'explosion lors de Wimbledon 2011
Pointant au 158ème rang mondial avant ce Wimbledon 2011, il doit donc passer par les qualifications pour pouvoir prendre part au tournoi du Grand Chelem britannique. Il les franchit avec brio même s'il laisse échapper un petit set au premier tour. Opposé à Nikolay Davydenko d'entrée dans le tableau final, Tomic l'emporte sans trembler en trois sets et commence à faire parler de lui. Deux tours et un match marathon face à Andreev plus tard, il fait encore mieux en s'offrant le scalp de Robin Soderling, 5ème joueur mondial, et en naissant alors réellement aux yeux de tous les amateurs de tennis. Il change ainsi de statut et sa victoire sur Xavier Malisse en huitièmes semble presque logique. Tant et si bien, comme nous le disions plus haut, qu'on ose aujourd'hui espérer le voir bousculer Novak Djokovic en quarts de finale. A suivre à partir de 14h00.


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B. Tomic - fourth round

B. Tomic bt. X. Malisse 6-1, 7-5, 6-4

Monday, 27 June 2011

Q. How are you feeling right now? Are you surprised to have got this far? Did you know you were playing this well?

BERNARD TOMIC: No. I mean, I never thought I'd be here the second week, especially in the quarterfinals. What a feeling and what a tournament it's been for me. I've learnt a lot.

I'm, you know, at a position now where I've never been happier. I'm looking forward to playing on Wednesday.

Q. Can you contrast your feelings compared with the win on Saturday to how you feel right now?

BERNARD TOMIC: Two different wins. I mean, then I beat a much higher ranked player. But today I was playing for a big spot.

You know, in one way they're both unbelievable achievements. But today was a win I really wanted and I prepared for well, and I played well for it today.

Q. Can you tell us a little bit more about why this is happening here and why now?

BERNARD TOMIC: It's got to happen sometime (smiling).

Yeah, I mean, look, I said to myself, you know, I'm going to have a tournament here. Play well.

Ever since quallies, I tried to play a little bit more relaxed than I'm used to. I've been doing that ever since I qualified. Davydenko, I played relaxed. Now I found my game, where I need it be, and that's to have fun, relax out there, not play under pressure where as opposed to maybe six months ago I was playing a little bit more defensive, not playing my game.

I think now I really learnt the way I should play my game.

Q. What was it that led to that change? How did you make the decision to relax and enjoy yourself?

BERNARD TOMIC: Well, you know, I was so used to playing a lot of junior tennis, where I got into the habit of playing a lot of defense tennis. That's what made me win a few junior titles, where I was really good in juniors.

That's where players missed, as opposed to here; they don't miss as much. I found out, look, if I really want to play against these guys, I have to relax like I do in practice. That's when I play my best tennis, in practice.

I know if I play like I do in practice, I'll play much better in my game.

Q. There was a stat saying that you're the youngest men's quarterfinalist here since 1986. How do you feel about being in that sort of history?

BERNARD TOMIC: Unbelievable achievement. I feel, you know, great. Great honor to do it here in Wimbledon. You know, I'm not going to stop now. I'm going to try my best to play on Wednesday in the quarters. I've got nothing to lose. That's a big thing always.

Q. For those of us who don't know much about you, it says you were born in Stuttgart of Bosnian Croatian parents. What has your journey been to get to this point?

BERNARD TOMIC: It's been a funny odd 13 years since I started playing tennis. It's a funny feeling, because I started playing tennis at seven and a half. I didn't play that long. I got really good around 12, 13. I got good quickly.

My background, I was born in Germany. Obviously I moved to Australia when I was about two and a half, three. So I've been in Australia for a long time.

Decision when I started playing tennis now I don't regret.

Q. Can you reflect on the role your father has played and where you got to today?

BERNARD TOMIC: Big role. You know, he's been there since day one, since I started playing tennis. There's been a lot of hard work involved, a lot of hours.

You know, all those years have gone by, now you wonder, look, you're here, you're in the second week of a quarterfinal of a major. Tells you the work's paid off finally.

Q. You probably didn't expect to be in the quarters, given you were a couple points away of going out of qualifying. Has there been a scrambling for booking hotel rooms and stuff like that?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I never thought I'd be here right now. Look, maybe after that qualifying win, maybe I thought I was going to qualify, maybe that was my goal, to qualify again.

But, look, tennis, you know, is a sport where, you know, anything can happen if you compete well and try. That's what I think I've done well in this tournament, especially in the second round when I was down two sets to love and 2 Love. Things weren't looking good for me. I pretty much thought the match was over within 10, 15 minutes. The guy was all on top of me.

It shows when you compete and fight in a match, things change for you.

Q. Have you got somewhere to stay until the end of the week? Have you not thought that far ahead?

BERNARD TOMIC: Well, I'm staying at a house now. I've been staying at that house since the start of qualifying. Maybe it's the house (smiling).

Q. When you say 'anything can happen,' what about Novak? Tell us your thoughts about that match and your relationship with him.

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, if he's going to win today. Anything can happen.

Novak's a champion. He's obviously won Grand Slams before. My relationship's really good with him. I've hit with him a lot of times. You know, he's a cool guy. One of the nicest guys out there on the tour.

You know, I think he has a respect for me. I've got a much bigger respect for him because he's obviously, you know, played at that big of a level the last five years and consistently held being 3 in the world, now even a step closer to becoming No. 1.

But, you know, if I get that opportunity, if he wins, what a match it's going to be. I mean, you know, to play against a guy like him that's 2 in the world, it doesn't get really better than that.

Q. How did that happen? Did he approach you at a tournament somewhere, wanted to play with you? How did that come about?

BERNARD TOMIC: Around after Kooyong when we played an exhibition match there, you know, ever since that day, I mean, after he's always said good words about me, then I've hit with him at least a dozen times now.

I think he likes having me around. Hitting with him, you know, you learn a lot of things from a player like that when you hit with him in practice.

Hopefully he gets through today and we can play on Wednesday.

Q. Australia has a great tennis tradition, but it's gone downhill. Are you going to bring it back?

BERNARD TOMIC: I'm trying. I'm trying, yeah (smiling). I think I can do it. Hopefully we have more juniors coming through.

Q. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I watched one of Novak's interviews during Wimbledon. He said he was hitting the ball with you before the tournament. How much will that help you in the following match? And what language do you speak with Novak?

BERNARD TOMIC: We talk our language. I did hit with him before the tournament. Yeah, we played a set. He destroyed me. Things are not looking good for me, but hopefully he destroyed me then and not on this game on Wednesday (smiling).

Q. What language do you speak with Novak?

BERNARD TOMIC: We speak in Croatian Serbia.

Q. There's plenty of Aussies in this part of London. They gravitate towards Wimbledon. How have the Aussie fans taken to you? Are they ready to accept you with your background being European?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, you know, the sport from Australia is really good. I think down at Melbourne this year was, you know, huge support. Even today, you know, the Aussies came out and supported, which was really good.

Hopefully I can become a better player than I am right now and keep moving up and win the love of the Australian crowd in the future.

Q. How about Lleyton Hewitt? Has he been any help to you?

BERNARD TOMIC: Uhm, regarding this tournament?

Q. Yes. Has he spoken to you as you've progressed?

BERNARD TOMIC: I've spoke to him once I think around the first round. I haven't really got the chance to bump into him. I think he left after he lost against Robin.

I haven't seen him around. I would love to have the chance to talk to him, but unfortunately we didn't get the time to bump into each other here.

Q. You play such an unusual style. If Novak wins, he's going to know your game as well as anybody, isn't he?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah. It's tough, because even in practice when I play against Novak, I can't execute my shots because he's one of those guys where he's got one of the best returns in the world. From the returns, he moves you. It's tough to play my shots.

But, you know, he's obviously really good off the line, got an unbelievable backhand. But, you know, if I can execute my shots and he doesn't return as good on that day, which could be impossible, because his return is unbelievable, then maybe I'll have a chance. We'll know from the first returns he hits.

Q. What about Llodra, if he wins, that matchup?

BERNARD TOMIC: Against Llodra? Look, if he wins against Novak, then I'll have to find a lefty to hit with tomorrow (smiling).

Q. Which were the players you looked up to when you were growing up? Was it a Croatian or Australian?

BERNARD TOMIC: I looked up to Goran. I looked up to Andre and Sampras. Roger took over and started dominating. I had a few idols back when I was young.

But yeah, you know, I looked up to Roger when he won his first Wimbledon here and beat Philippoussis. Ever since that, the love of the game's always been there. Ever since I was young, I supported Lleyton when he was playing at Wimbledon, when he was reaching the finals and winning. Just tells me one day maybe I can be here competing at this level.

Q. We have an image of Australian teenagers being on the beach, enjoying themselves. You had to make sacrifices to be here. Or do you still go to the beach and barbecues?

BERNARD TOMIC: I still go to the beach and barbecues. That's for sure. Now planning more of that.

Q. Are you playing against China?

BERNARD TOMIC: We are for the Davis Cup.

Q. Are you playing?

BERNARD TOMIC: I'd love to think so. Let's hope I make it to China.

Q. Have you got any superstitions here at Wimbledon, anything you're going to keep doing till you're out?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I seem to always take the same shower in the locker room. Maybe that's the thing.

Q. Can't that be a bit embarrassing if it's occupied?

BERNARD TOMIC: Then I'll wait.

Q. And did you beat Djokovic at Kooyong?

BERNARD TOMIC: I can't really say I did. I mean, that's an exhibition match. Can't count as a match. But, yeah.

Q. You obviously know his game. But you beat him in the exhibition.

BERNARD TOMIC: See, you know, that match was one of the windiest days I've ever experienced. It's tough to anyone to hit a shot, let alone if you're highly ranked. The ball was flying everywhere.

I think that was more of a thing for the crowd. I think here will be much different.

Q. Can you imagine yourself winning this thing?

BERNARD TOMIC: Three matches away. Wow, that's a big question. Well, anything is possible. I wouldn't be sitting here now in the quarters, let alone think I'm in the quarters. I could be talking to you right now in four days, I don't know, or I could be talking to you again this could be my last time.

Q. It's just Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, an easy run.

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah. We'll see (smiling).


Source

B. Tomic - quarter-final

B. Tomic def. by N. Djokovic 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7

Wednesday, 29 June 2011

Q. What are your immediate reflections on that?

BERNARD TOMIC: Uhm, I'm proud of myself firstly. What a player Novak is. I think I gave it, yeah, as much as I could today. I was not too far off, but he's a better player than me at this stage.

Q. Do you feel like you lost it or he won it?

BERNARD TOMIC: Uhm, I can't really tell about that. But, uhm, I had my chances 3 1 in the third. If I was a little bit smarter, I probably would have done the opposite of what I did.

But his returns keep pressuring you and then you make errors, and that's why he's that quality of a player.

Q. Were you starting to believe you could win at that point, 3 1 in the third?

BERNARD TOMIC: I was thinking a lot of things (smiling).

Yeah, I thought I could. But then, you know, when you're up like that, the other guy wants to come back. That's something maybe a little bit I left off and I didn't push that game to lead 4 1.

Q. When you say, "if I was a little bit smarter," what do you think you should have done differently?

BERNARD TOMIC: I was just a little bit relaxed. Obviously when I relax I played better. It was a bad idea I wasn't at the same focus level as I was to win the second set.

But I can say he played that game pretty good.

Q. At the end of the first set you looked pretty tired, but then you came good. Can you tell us physically sort of the peaks and troughs during the match how you went.

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I mean, I had a bit of a congestion last night and I didn't sleep as good. My immune system wasn't quite as it should have been in the first set, in the first four or five games. That's where he got on a roll.

After that, I mean, I felt good. I started to open up and go for my shots. If I start, you know, playing consistently at my level, I think, you know, that's when I will close out matches against these top players.

Q. You mentioned getting into the top 80 as the end of year goal. You're ahead of schedule. What do you think is possible after what you've been able to do here?

BERNARD TOMIC: Look, when you do a result like this, you know, it tells you you're only a few matches away from winning a title. I know what my goals are now. Rest is one of them (smiling).

But I definitely, you know, think I have the game, and if I get the mental state, to win a major in the next hopefully two years.

Q. The crowd started getting behind you in that second set. Describe what it was like out there. Could you feel the momentum shifting back to you? What's it like playing at Wimbledon for a player like yourself?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, it's the first time I've experienced it, I think. I was down a break in the fourth, but to have the crowd behind you, I played well. That's what you need sometimes, is the crowd to get behind you so you can lift off, you know, and come back.

But full credit to Novak. He's an unbelievable player.

Q. Do you feel like you really belong now with this result you've had?

BERNARD TOMIC: I'd like to think so, but I got a lot of work ahead of me. (Smiling.) I mean, I definitely think I belong with these guys. You know, now I'm heading to America where it's much shorter. It's best of three, so it's a bit different.

But I think I have the physical strength now to play five sets and get deeper into tournaments. I mean, sooner or later I'll play a player like Novak or Rafa and Roger where I'll have a win, but until then I've got to improve.

Q. What do you think you have more to improve, which specific skills?

BERNARD TOMIC: Movement is one. Definitely I don't move as good as Novak. I can, you know, hit shots the way probably he can't in a way. But returns, I'd love to improve my returns and return like him. Obviously that would pressure the opponent more in the future.

Q. The Olympics here next year will be looking a bit more attractive than a few weeks ago.

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I think if that comes along, if I'm still here at that time, then, yeah, I'd love to play and represent Australia. That would be my dream to play for the Olympics.

And if it comes down to me playing it next year, what something it can be.

Q. How difficult do you think it is for your dad sometimes to stop coaching you and just be your dad, just be your parent?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I mean, it's probably harder for him than me. But, uhm, you know, he's coached me ever since I was a young kid and I started playing. Sooner or later he'll back off a little bit.

Obviously now there's a lot of pressure for me breaking the top hundred and stuff. I think now it's all different. I think I've got to work hard and, you know, go a step further than I already am. That's when I think I can have a good career and start playing well.

Q. You have other people involved. Is it maybe a bit of a transition the next two or three years as you mature yourself that your old man won't be on tour as much with you?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I mean, look, as soon as I have done well and made myself the best of a player as I am, then I think my dad can slip out.

But until then, he's the one that's coached me and helped me out and made me the player who I am now.

Q. When you say, "slip out," you mean find another coach to take you to another level?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah. I mean, in time obviously it's going to be like that. But until I become, you know, as best of a player as I am, which I think only he can help me until then, it could be one year away or four years away. I don't know.

Q. You're obviously one of the younger players here at the tournament, the youngest, I think. You were the youngest to reach the quarterfinals since Boris Becker. If you'd won today, there would have only been two younger players than you, and that's Becker and John McEnroe. What are your thoughts being compared in that same light as those great players of previous years?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, it's something that, uhm, you know, you really think about and makes you wonder, you know, what can you be in life and how many tournaments and Grand Slams you can win.

But to be mentioned amongst those people and those greats is truly good.

Q. Did Goran say anything to you before or after the match that you'll take away with you?

BERNARD TOMIC: He said, Look, if you don't win it this time, you'll win it one day (smiling).

Q. Did you think you had a quarterfinal in you?

BERNARD TOMIC: No, not yet. Not at this stage. I thought I was about a year or two away.

Q. You think you're that far ahead of schedule in results?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I mean, 'cause tennis has changed so much. It's so physical. These guys are much more physical than they were 10 years ago. I'm not as physically strong as these guys.

That's when I really started thinking at 19, 20 I could have done something like this. But, you know, at this stage, to have done it now, uhm, it's something.

Q. With the sort of game you've got, do you think you can be a good player on clay or...

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I mean, that's something I've become better on this year on clay. I've started winning a few matches, and that's something I'll continue to grow on and learn I think as my ranking moves up and then the higher I get seeded in the events like the French Open and Barcelona, I think I'll have better chance of playing well and gaining confidence on that surface.

Q. You talk about maturing physically. Do you think your game will change? Seeing you for the first time, I'll admit, you've got this counter puncher's game and you take the pace off the ball. You had Novak guessing throughout today. Do you think when you have more power you'll be tempted to change that game or you'll stick to the thoughtful approach you bring to it?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I mean, a lot of players don't like the way I play. I think in one way that's a good step for me. But physically, I mean, there's shots that maybe I can't hit as good as these guys, and I rely on my hands to pull me out of it, which sometimes end up being good, but...

But, yeah, when I physically become better at finishing cheaper shots, then I think that's when I start getting more free points. I mean, yeah.

Q. A few years ago you were playing with some Italian players like Giacomo Miccini. Sometimes you were losing; sometimes you were winning. Do you ever think, I'm lucky, I made it and the others didn't? Is it just a matter of luck, of strength? What are the reasons why someone is capable to do it and someone is not? It's just talent or something else?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I mean, I remember playing against that player, and we were pretty similar in games. He beat me once; I beat him a few times.

But you don't really know until you get to the age of 18, 19, 20, where you are. If you're in 250, 300 at age 20, you know, obviously that's not a good sign. But if you're doing well I think at a young age, which I think I did in the junior career, you start getting a lot of confidence.

But it's a lot different coming to play on the ATP Tour. That's what I found out the first year. I was losing a lot of matches.

Q. Where do you go?

BERNARD TOMIC: My first tournament is Washington. I think I have the ranking now to get in the main draw for all the tournaments.

Q. What has your Wimbledon experience taught you about yourself?

BERNARD TOMIC: A lot. I mean, it's just shown me, you know, what player I am, how I can compare and play against these players. You know, it's shown me what I'm capable of doing in the future, I think.

Q. You've seen everyone close up. Who is your tip to win the tournament now?

BERNARD TOMIC: Uhm, look, I think having Roger lost, I think Novak's got a good chance of getting to the final. But Tsonga is playing good tennis. I think Nadal's winning. If it comes to a Nadal/Djokovic final, I think Novak has more wins this year over Rafa.

But Andy's playing good, so he can also do well.

Q. Any chance you'll hit with Novak before his semi?

BERNARD TOMIC: I'm flying to Monte Carlo. I'll be back on Friday. I'd love to warm him up before the semis or the finals if he wins.

Q. Why are you going to Monte Carlo?

BERNARD TOMIC: I have a few things I have to do there (laughter).

Source

Hot Shot Tomic Heading To Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
by Press Release | 10.07.2011



The tennis world is talking about him. He is one of the most exciting prospects in world tennis and he is coming to Kuala Lumpur. Australian Bernard Tomic, 18, has told Tournament Director Nick Freyer that he will be playing the Malaysian Open Kuala Lumpur at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil, 24 September to 2 October, 2011.

Nicknamed “A-Tomic”, he thrilled the record crowds at Wimbledon by reaching the quarter-finals where it took the might of the eventual champion Novak Djokovic to stop him and even then the four set match was one of most hard fought encounters Djokovic played during the fortnight.

Tomic’s run at the All England Club was one of THE stories of the Championships and he soon became tennis’s hot property. The teenager went through the arduous qualifying rounds, accounted for No. 29 seed and 2009 Malaysian Open Kuala Lumpur winner Nikolay Davydenko in the first round, after that he rallied from two sets to love down to beat Igor Andreev, the No. 5 seed Robin Soderling followed in straight sets and then again in straight sets, he stopped Xavier Malisse.

“I am thrilled to have Bernard playing the Malaysian Open Kuala Lumpur once again and to be able to welcome him back as well as and his father and coach John. I know the tournament is touched that he enjoyed the Malaysian hospitality enough to make an early decision to come back and play here,” Nick Freyer said.

“Malaysian tennis fans had a brief opportunity to see him last year in Kuala Lumpur when he accepted a Wild Card but when he arrives for this year’s tournament we will see a different Bernard Tomic. I had the opportunity to watch a couple of his early matches at Wimbledon and he was fantastic. He is a more confident guy. He is hitting the ball beautifully and he is playing with such maturity.

“Bernard has always had the talent and he has shown many glimpses of his promise but now he is genuinely showing the tennis world why he is considered the next big thing in world tennis. To have a youngster deliver so handsomely on his potential and do it with maturity that belies his age is very exciting. He promises to be a sensational addition to the player field for this year’s Malaysian Open Kuala Lumpur.”

Tomic, who won the 2009 US Open juniors and in 2008 at 15 was the youngest player ever to win the Australian Open juniors, says grass is his favourite surface and his run at Wimbledon has made him excited about what is coming up for him.

“When you (have results) like this, it tells you you're only a few matches away from winning a title and I know what my goals are now,” Tomic said. “I definitely think I have the game. I definitely think I belong with these guys.

“This has just shown me what I'm capable of doing in the future. I am looking forward to coming to Kuala Lumpur again and continuing the type of tennis I played at Wimbledon. I enjoyed being in the city last year and hopefully the week there will be a great one.”

Goran Ivanisevic the 2001 Wimbledon champion and former World No. 2 has made it clear that it is only a matter of time before Tomic reaches the Top 10. Ivanisevic said: “From there it is up to him as to how far he goes.”

To prove that his rise up the rankings is firmly on the move, Tomic started Wimbledon ranked No. 158 and when he finished he was No. 72. He is now the highest ranked Australian on the tour, replacing Lleyton Hewitt who had held that spot since May, 2004.

Legends of the game, such as John Newcombe, say Tomic’s style of play is a throwback to a past era. He serves and volleys but he mixes up his returns. He doesn’t go for overwhelming returns on every shot he plays. Tomic will soft ball, move an opponent around and then come up with an explosive return. He also has the ability to comfortably change his game plan to suit the circumstance.

Tickets for the Malaysian Open Kuala Lumpur have been selling at an outstanding rate; in fact ticket sales have been moving at their fastest pace in the tournament’s three year history.

“The tournament team has been touched by the response from tennis fans as they have snapped up event tickets faster than at any time in the history of the tournament,” Freyer said. “It seems that the public know a great deal when they see one and the sporting public in KL and Malaysia have begun to appreciate and recognise the high quality of tennis, entertainment and fun the tournament has delivered to them.”

www.atpworldtour.com

Shanghai: Tomic vient à bout d'Anderson

Créé le 10/10/2011 - 10:56

Bernard Tomic a eu raison, lundi, du Sud-africain Kevin Anderson au premier tour du Masters 1000 de Shanghai. L'Australien, vainqueur en trois sets (7-6, 6-7, 6-3), sera le prochain adversaire de Mardy Fish.

www.sports.fr

Shanghai 2011: Tomic se paye Fish !

Mardi 11 Octobre 2011, 17:03

Alors qu'il n'avait pas donné suite, jusque-là, à son quart de finale de Wimbledon, Bernard Tomic vient de signer son premier gros coup loin de la capitale britannique. L'Australien, 18 ans et 49ème joueur mondial, vient en effet de dominer Mardy Fish, 9ème à l'ATP, pour se hisser au troisième tour du Masters 1000 de Shanghai. Il a pour cela disposé de l'Américain, tête de série n°5 du tableau, en 1h57 et trois manches (4/6, 6/1, 6/4) sur le Stadium du Qi Zhong Tennis Center.

Dolgopolov au prochain tour ?
Impressionnant de calme et de solidité face à un Fish qui n'était toutefois pas dans son meilleur jour, Tomic tentera de confirmer au tour suivant face au vainqueur du match qui opposera, demain, l'Ukrainien Alexandr Dolgopolov à l'Espagnol Albert Ramos.

www.TennisTemple.com

11 October 2011 B. TOMIC / M. Fish (4 6, 6 1, 6 4)

PublishTime：2011-10-12 00:11:55

Q. Looking at your ranking, you've gotten much higher. Where do you set your sights for the rest of the season?

BERNARD TOMIC: It's been a good year, like I said in the last conference. I can't expect much more from myself. I've had a good last six months. I'm playing well here.

The surface, conditions suit me. I think it's been a good run. I've got to play well now in the third round. I can play good in these sort of conditions. I'm happy with everything that happened this week. I think I've got a lot more to improve, you know, in the next few years.

But, you know, satisfied and done a good job.

Q. Are you setting any particular targets?

BERNARD TOMIC: I don't think I should set targets because when you set goals, things change, things happen. I think you've just got to play tennis, have fun, not have a lot of pressure. In the juniors, everything was under a lot of stress and you'd play. But if you have fun, good things happen.

Q. This is your first time in the third round of a Masters, first week in the top 50. What do you think might be next?

BERNARD TOMIC: I don't know. Just keeps getting better and better. Good things happen when you do the right things and work hard.

I think the season's coming to an end, but I've got a lot more in the tank for this tournament. I think I can play well. Got a good opportunity in the next round to play for the quarterfinal spot here.

Q. Are you particularly happy with your serve?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I mean, I don't serve that big, but I serve really accurate. So it's tough to read. Especially like Mardy, his serve's really tough to read. You can't get a pick on it. I think I've improved my serve the last year. I think that's why I'm getting a lot of free points and winning service games easy.

Q. What else are you particularly happy about with your game?

BERNARD TOMIC: I started believing a lot in myself the last six months a little bit more. It's been paying off. I think you got to believe if you work hard and you don't believe on court, it's not going to happen for you. You've got to come out with the right attitude against these players and good things happen like tonight.

Q. What did he say to you at the net?

BERNARD TOMIC: He said, Good luck for the rest of the tournament, play well. I think he had his chance last week where he beat me and I thought I was going to get beaten again this week. Luckily I turned it around.

Q. What did you do better tonight?

BERNARD TOMIC: Served much better. Last week we both didn't serve good. We played better off the ground. This week we both served well. It was a matter of who broke who in that third set.

Q. It's Dolgopolov or Ramos. What are your thoughts on that?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, Ramos beat Cilic today and Dolgopolov is a very tough and unusual player. I think it's going to be a tricky match for them. Whoever wins, I've got a good opportunity to play for that spot in the quarters.

Q. Do you remember the match you played against Alex in Brisbane last year? It was a weird match, from my memory.

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I played him, then I played him this year in the Sydney International. We play very unusual. It's tough when you play a player like that, especially me. We both play a bit funny. The situation can get a little bit tricky sometimes. Hopefully whoever I play, I play well against them.

Q. Who has the quirkier game?

BERNARD TOMIC: I would say him, to be honest (laughter). I'm quirky to a degree, but I still like to hit my ball. But he definitely plays, you know, much quicker than I do. He goes for his shots and points very quickly to finish them off.

www.shanghairolexmasters.com

Top five emerging tennis players to watch out for in 2012

06-Dec-2011 13:47



After the end of another action-packed, thrilling and a bit excruciating season, let's take a look at top five emerging tennis players, who has it all claim their share of glory and to be the next big things in a highly competitive world of tennis.

The last decade witnessed the emergence and consequent dominance of Roger Federer, which was later on challenged by resilient Nadal. When Rafa-Roger rivalry reached the zenith, Novak Djokovic hogged a bit of limelight by producing some starting results and the year 2011 saw the culmination of his surge that made him undisputed No. 1 for the season. Before the onset of new season, let’s take a look at the top 5 emerging tennis players, who are loaded with immense talent and have it all to cause a few big upsets in 2012. Of course, they can move a step or two to claim the titles.

1.Alexandr Dolgopolov
2. Milos Raonic
3. Kei Nishikori

4. Bernard Tomic: This nineteen years old contender hails from Australia – a country that has produced one of the all time greats Rod Laver and defiant champion like Lleyton Hewitt. So, when Tomic qualified for Wimbledon earlier this year as World No. 158, he shored up the hopes of many, who termed him as the right successor of Hewitt. Tomic also became the youngest player to make it to the fourth round of Wimbledon. It was an eye-opening surge for many, who were not aware about this lad, as Tomic beat former World No. 3 Davydenko, Igor Andreev, World No. 5 Soderling and experienced campaigner Xavier Malisse to his en route to the quarterfinals. After that dream run on grass, the Australian made it to the second-round at the US Open and also represented Australia in Davis-Cup. After a poor run on US hard-court , the Australian made some fine progress on Asian swing and finished in the third-round at Shanghai and broke into top 50. Currently, this Australian has been enjoying his highest ranking of World No. 41 on ATP World Tour. Undoubtedly, Tomic belongs to the promising breed of rising Australian players, but it is too early to compare him with the likes of Hewitt. The year 2012 will be crucial for this Australian, who has shown a lot of promise.

5. Ryan Harrison
[...]

http://www.tennisearth.com

Les hommes qui ont marqué 2011 : Tomic, la relève Australienne (‏ (9/15

Mardi 13 décembre 2011

Le tennis Australien a enfin trouvé l'héritier de Lleyton Hewitt ! Bernard Tomic, dix-neuf ans, est avec Raonic, la grande révélation de cette année 2011. C'est à Wimbledon que le jeune homme s'est particulièrement illustré en s'offrant une place en quart de finale où il bouscula Novak Djokovic. On ne serait pas étonné de voir Bernard Tomic aller beaucoup plus loin et ce, dès 2012. Retour sur la saison qui a permis à l'Océanien de confirmer les attentes qui reposaient sur lui.



Wimbledon, la révélation
Les spécialistes savaient que, tôt ou tard, Tomic allait se révéler au grand public. Ce sera en Juin 2011, lors de Wimbledon, que le monde du tennis allait enfin découvrir le talent de ce grand bonhomme (1m93). Australien, mais natif de Stuttgart, le jeune joueur s'est imposé comme étant l'un des plus grands espoirs de son sport. C'est au troisième tour du Grand Chelem que Tomic allait frapper un grand coup en dominant Robin Soderling, double-finaliste de Roland Garros. A seulement dix-huit ans, il bat donc son premier top dix. Cela faisait plus de vingt ans qu'un joueur de moins de dix-neuf ans s'était qualifié pour la deuxième semaine du tournoi Londonien. Contre le Belge Xavier Malisse, l'Australien part même favori et sa victoire semble presque logique. Bernard s'offre une place en quart de finale face à "l'imbattable" Novak Djokovic. Un match piège pour le Serbe, opposé à un jeune talent imprévisible. Et Tomic, encore une fois, impressionnera en faisant bien plus que de la simple figuration. Même si Novak s'imposera, Tomic a eu le mérite de prendre un set au Djoker. Wimbledon est décidément LE tournoi qui a mis Tomic sur le devant de la scène.

158ème mondial à l'entame de Wimbledon, son beau parcours va lui offrir les portes du top cent. Même si Tomic a brillé dans d'autres grands tournois, comme à l'Open d'Australie où il s'est bien défendu face à Rafael Nadal malgré une défaite en trois sets au troisième tour, Wimbledon reste le tournoi le plus significatif pour l'Aussie. Cette année 2011 va lui apporter beaucoup pour la suite de sa carrière.

Tomic le sulfureux
L'espoir du tennis mondial est déjà connu pour avoir un comportement très sulfureux sur un court. Son attitude lui a déjà valu quelques tours. Dans un tournoi à Perth, il insulte en plein milieu d'un match l'organisation. Alors que son père et son coach lui demandent de quitter le court, Bernard refuse et sera finalement sanctionné d'un mois de suspension. Tomic, devenu professionnel depuis, doit désormais se contrôler s'il veut progresser mentalement. On verra en 2012 si le petit Tomic a bien grandi. Car s'il est aujourd'hui quarante et unième mondial, il lui manque tout de même un peu de maturité. Mais le jour où il l'aura, il risque de tout chambouler sur le circuit.

www.culturesport.info

Bernard Tomic reveals lofty ambition for 2012

December 20, 2011 2:51PM

EENAGE tennis prodigy Bernard Tomic has set his sights on breaking into the world's top 10 in 2012.

Spurred on by fellow Gold Coast product Sam Stosur's US Open success, world No.42 Tomic hoped he would be celebrating more than just his 20th birthday on October 21.

“I would love to be in the top 10 by my next birthday,” said Tomic today as he prepared for the Brisbane International from January 1.

“If not, I am looking to be in the top 20. It will be a hard task but I have done well this year.

“I did not think I would be where I am - anything is possible.

“I have a lot of tournaments where I can get points in the next six months.”

Tomic is thinking big after this year becoming the youngest man to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals since Boris Becker in 1986.

The teenager qualified for Wimbledon as the world No158 but had rocketed into the top 50 for the first time by the end of the year.

Tomic admitted he would be under more pressure to perform from an Australian sporting public starved for tennis success since Lleyton Hewitt's decline.

But Tomic didn't mind adding to that pressure himself with grand slam success and Olympic medals now in his sights following Stosur's US Open triumph.

“It (Stosur) motivates us a lot. I look at it and say I want to win a grand slam like her,” he said.

“That will always be with her that title, and maybe in the future I can win tournaments like that.

“The Olympics will be my focus as well next year.

“It is a true event, one that I want to win a medal at.

“There is a little bit more pressure on me, but I have always had pressure from a young age - I know how to handle it.”

Tomic will hope to launch his bold 2012 plan at the Brisbane International, which will also feature Andy Murray.

Success has helped Tomic win over the sporting public but he still believes he has been “misunderstood”.

Tomic recently made headlines after being investigated by Gold Coast police for complaints of hooning in his sports car.

“I don't worry about that stuff. It is in the past,” he said.

“You are going to get good press and bad press ... but I am doing my job playing tennis.”

www.theaustralian.com.au