Ebden goes into bat for embattled Bernie
TENNIS: Bernard Tomic is misunderstood but has the potential to resurrect his tennis career, says his doubles partner and close friend Matthew Ebden.
The Aussie – who yesterday defeated world No. 6 Marin Cilic at the Kooyong Classic – said he had caught up with Tomic in recent days to encourage him to “put himself on the line” in coming months. Tomic was yesterday attempting to qualify for the Australia Open.
Ebden said the Queenslander was “definitely” misunderstood.
“I know him really well. He’s a great guy, actually. Sure, he’s had some mix-ups, said some things and done some things, who hasn’t, here or there?
“I saw him last night or the night before. I just encouraged him and I hope he enjoys himself and gets out there and puts himself on the line.”
Ebden, who this time last year was ranked 699th in the world and is now Australia’s second-ranked male player at 76, said he knows all too well the path Tomic is facing.
“I understand what he goes through, a little bit. I can understand being higher in the rankings and then lower and then having to work back for whatever reason,” he said.
“No one’s saying that he has to play. If he can get all the things cleared up in his head and get things out of the way and if he wants to play, obviously he’s got great potential. It is a long way back. It’s very hard and very testing.
“It is rewarding if you’re willing to go through it, but I know what he’s in for and I know what he’s feeling and I know where he’s at.
“I hope to see him getting back on up.”
Ebden defeated Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, in three sets 6-7 (7-3) 6-4 7-5 and said he feels like his game is only getting better with his age.
“Age is a really strange one, it’s been tripping me out over the last few months as I was heading towards 30. I really honestly feel like 24 or 25. It’s really strange,” he said.
“Of course I’m enjoying it and savouring every moment. Maturity and experience always helps, so that’s one bonus of being a bit older. I wouldn’t be surprised if my best tennis and years are ahead of me.”
Cilic conceded he had gone for plenty of big shots that went astray, but said that with a few more days of practice, he is confident his game will be on song for the year’s first grand slam. — Lauren Wood