Bernard Tomic. Known as a phenomenon and one of the top players in the junior circuit, Tomic was targetted as one of the future world top players from an early age. Nowadays, at 22 years old and after lots of controversy, he is going through one of the best moments of his career and seems to the on the right path to compete next to the top players.
In the exclusive interview to Ténis Portugal, the aussie talks about his generation, the ambition to win Davis Cup and one of the keys to his unprecedented evolution. “A more mature Bernard Tomic”, that’s how he describes himself in our interview.
Interview
- Ténis Portugal: Since Bogota, where you won your first title after the back surgeries, your results have improved significantly. Can you describe how important that week was? What emotions did you experience?
I was coming from a difficult time where my results had not been good enough. I had to prove to myself that I could win big again and winning in Bogota in challenging conditions was definitely what I needed at the time.
- Ténis Portugal: Lleyton Hewitt has been playing less tournaments lately and almost at the same time you came up, along with Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis. Do you feel like the ‘leader’ of this new generation?
I don’t feel like the leader of the new generation, I am just the oldest one among us but that’s all. They have all done exceptionally well over the last few months and we are all pushing one another which is beneficial to all of us.
- Ténis Portugal:And how do you see this emergence of Nick and Thanasi? Do they motivate and challenge you to be better?
We compete on the court but are friends outside. They are my Davis Cup teammates and we are very ambitious in this competition for the years to come. It is a healthy competition.
- Ténis Portugal: What’s australian tennis’ secret to make so many top players? Do you think the future is well assured?
Tennis has always been a big sport in Australia. There was a bit of a gap between Lleyton and our generation but now we are closing it. The game is very well structured in our country from amateur to professional players which helps nurturing future talents so yes I would be pretty confident saying that the future is well assured.
- Ténis Portugal: Regarding that same future, how do you handle the pression of being seen as one of the big ‘future stars’ since such young age?
All I am trying to do is to go by step by step. I know I can beat the top guys but I am very much eager to improve my consistency during the course of the season. So far this is what I have done so hopefully I can continue like this.
- Ténis Portugal: What does Davis Cup mean to you and what do you think of Australia’s chances of winning this year with you? Do you dream about winning this competition?
Davis Cup has a long history and tradition in Australia. We would love to have our names among the legends of the sports who won this competition. Our new generation of players is strong but maybe it will take a few years for us to improve our respective rankings and get a proper shot at winning the Davis Cup. We do want to dream about it but make it a reality in the years to come.
- Ténis Portugal: Dimitrov, Raonic, Nishikori and also Cilic are seen as the biggest candidates to the higher ranking positions. How would you fit in among this group? You have played some of them so what do you need to do?
As I said before, consistency will be the key. I need to be able to give my best every single week of the calendar and continue to improve my level of fitness. If I keep putting the hard work, hopefully I will be able to join these guys.
- Ténis Portugal: You’ve reached the quarterfinals in 6 of 8 tournaments played in 2015. Is this the best moment of your career? What changes have been made for you to get to this level and keep a good consistency?
I am playing well and in a consistent manner so yes this is the best moment of my career in that respect however nothing can replace winning titles and going far in Grand Slams.
- Ténis Portugal: After the withdrawal at Indian Wells due to back issues once again, you recovered in time to play Miami. Numbers are compelling, you’re living a great moment. Do you have goals established for the next few weeks? What do you hope to achieve in the near future?
I’d like to finish the year between 15 and 20, I think this is realistic.
- Ténis Portugal: Now regarding the portuguese tennis… Among our top players, you have only faced Rui Machado in 2011 (3 sets win) but what do you know about the portuguese tennis and of course about João Sousa in particular.
Joao is a very good player who has been improving over the years winning in Kuala Lumpur and reaching two finals last year. Maybe we get to play each other soon.
- Ténis Portugal: In the end of 2013 you said that after winning your first title (in Sydney) and losing to Federer in Melbourne you’ve set your goals too high. Today, a year and a half later, what has changed?
You cannot expect to win one title one day and think the next day that you will be able to beat the top guys. It goes little by little, you improve your game, you work harder and then you reach the consistency which will give you opportunities to compete and one day beat them. It does not happen in one week…
- Ténis Portugal: What’s your biggest dream in tennis?
I would love to win a Grand Slam.
- Ténis Portugal: “I’m ready to play anyone. I am going to go out there believing I can win.” You said it before your match against Novak Djokovic in Indian Wells. Can we say there’s a ‘new’ Bernard Tomic? At 22 years old, how do you see yourself growing as a professional athlete?
There is definitely a more mature Bernard Tomic. I have always believed I could win but maybe without doing before what was needed. Now with the all hard work I have put, I believe I am ready for bigger things.
