I CAN STILL BERN NICK
Tomic issues Kyrgios challenge
BERNARD Tomic has challenged Nick Kyrgios to a rematch “anytime, anywhere” as the pair trade barbs in the lead up to the Australian summer.
Tomic has reemerged publicly in recent months as he prepares to ramp up his bid for a spot in the Australian Open.
The former world 17 has slumped to 260 on the rankings. But the 29-year-old is confident he can still mix it with the best as he takes on his “last crack” at the professional tennis circuit.
Kyrgios and Tomic have been exchanging words since Tomic said he was a better player than Kyrgios on Instagram. Tomic pointed to his 6-3 6-4 victory at the Kooyong Classic two years ago as proof.
However, Kyrgios was having none of it saying Tomic had won no titles and claimed no big scalps. Tomic said he was prepared to face Kyrgios whenever his fellow Australian wanted.
“Thanks to Nicky boy for the kind words and encouragement,” Tomic said.
“It was comfortable when I beat him with all due respect. Whenever he wants I am happy to make it 2-0. I’m more than happy to do a rematch at any time. His style suits me. I’ve had no problems with big servers.
“All jokes aside, I look forward to seeing him at the Australian Open and hopefully we can both make Australia proud. I wish him nothing but the best.”
Kyrgios will kick start his season in Melbourne for the Summer Event from January
3-9, before returning to Sydney from January 9-15 for the Sydney Tennis Classic. Tomic will head to Melbourne for Australian Open qualifying from January 10-14 in the hope to secure a main draw qualification.
Tomic is finally finding the dedication which once had him earmarked to be a decade long top 10 player. He is in the midst of finalising a new coaching team as he trains up to four hours a day for the first time in years.
“Look honestly, I’ve got one more shot to turn it around and do the right thing,” Tomic said. “It is to prove it to myself – that’s the main thing. It will take six to 12 months of hard work to get back to the top.”
Tomic has been rarely seen on the court in recent years. He won the qualifiers to get through into the Australian
Open main draw before losing to No.14 Denis Shapovalov in the second round. He failed to qualify for the French Open or Wimbledon and hasn’t been inside the top 100 since August 2019 and has spent more than five years outside the top 20.
But he has earmarked the Australian summer to springboard his comeback.
“The qualifiers is the next goal,” Tomic said.
to more than happy I’m any time. do a re-match at His style suits me. Tomic on