Bernard Tomic is looking leaner and meaner–in the tennis sense, of course–at the beginning of this 2015 season. Combine the result of what appears to be a more determined work ethic with Tomic’s favorite time of the year (the Australian summer) and you have a man who can do serious damage at this week’s Brisbane International.
The tournament is already off to an outstanding start for the 22-year-old Aussie, who reached the semifinals in 2012 and is also a two-time finalist in Sydney (one title, one runner-up). Tomic fought past Sam Querrey 7-5, 7-6(5) on Monday and beat countryman Thanasi Kokkinakis 7-6(2), 6-1 in the second round on Wednesday.
In the all-Aussie showdown, both men held serve throughout the first set. Kokkinakis saved two break points to force a tiebreaker, which Tomic dominated seven points two two. The 18-year-old underdog struggled thereafter, surrendering two early service donations in the second set.
Highlights:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jQN4SVhHFY]
“For sure, not an easy match,” Tomic commented. “It was expected a lot for me to win this match and I had to prepare a lot, and it’s not easy playing someone young. I remember myself when I was young and playing well and aggressive. I was happy to come out on court to play the way I played. Very happy.”
“I just thought I had my chances and I didn’t take them,” Kokkinakis lamented. “(I) didn’t serve great in the second set. He got a few early points on my serve in the second and then he was able to dictate.”
Kokkinakis interview:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eSXWD-nLKY]
Kokkinakis and Grigor Dimitrov will contest a quarterfinal doubles match on Thursday against Robert Lindstedt and Marcin Matkowski. A win in that one would prevent the world No. 149 from playing in Sydney qualifying, but he could get a wild card into the main draw.
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