Reality bites for Bernie

VOLATILE tennis dad John Tomic is considering lifting the lid on son Bernard’s future as the fallen star fights to save his career amid speculation he’s set for a reality TV appearance.

Tomic has entered next week’s Australian Open qualifying tournament after being snubbed for a wildcard to contest his home grand slam.

It’s understood the 25-yearold is quietly plotting to silence the doubters and earn his own way into the Open as rumours swirl that he’s set to pocket hundreds of thousands of dollars as a contestant on the Ten Network’s I’m a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here! program.

Bernard’s coach John declined to comment when asked about his son’s future while watching his daughter Sara’s Sydney International qualifying campaign.

On Thursday, Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley ended months of speculation by formally ruling Bernard out of wildcard contention. But he remains on the qualifying entry list and is said to be “fired up” to play.

The one-time world No.17 has been on the outer since making himself unavailable for Davis Cup after last year’s Open. Tomic’s exile was believed to be over a family funding dispute with Tennis Australia, with John upset over the governing body’s level of support for Sara.

It remains unknown whether Tomic requested an Open wildcard, or always planned on trying to earn his own way into the main draw after plummeting from No.27 to 140th in the world rankings in 2017.

Sara yesterday produced a spirited 2-6 7-5 6-4 comeback win over Tunisian world No.89 Ons Jabeur.