Tomic in search of form and friends
BERNARD Tomic’s Davis Cup exile is unlikely to end for next month’s quarter- final tie with the US as the Queenslander’s form rut deepens amid the absence of peace talks with Lleyton Hewitt.
Tomic opted out of the firstround tie against Czech Republic in February, citing scheduling issues.
That decision frustrated Hewitt, forcing the former world No. 1 to hurriedly groom Jordan Thompson, a revelation with two wins against the Czechs in an excellent debut.
While Hewitt has been close to Tomic for some time, Hewitt was critical in the wake of the Cup snub of Tomic’s father, claiming John Tomic wields too much influence.
Since a third- round Australian Open exit, Tomic has lost four first- round matches to lowly ranked opponents.
World No. 140 Darian King ignited a depressing sequence, with failures against Steve Darcis ( 57), Donald Young ( 63) and Bjorn Fratangelo ( 112).
Ranked 17th in the world in November, Tomic has dropped to No. 45.
The talented all- courter was pilloried for retiring in 27C conditions in Acapulco last month, describing the heat as “unbearable” only to return a few hours later for doubles.
Tomic, 24, will play a qualifier at the Miami Open this week for the chance to test Spain’s Roberto Bautista- Agut in the second round.
Hewitt will next week name his team to play the US at Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane.
Nick Kyrgios, Thompson, Sam Groth and John Peers are expected to be nominated to face a powerful US outfit led by Jack Sock, John Isner, Steve Johnson and Sam Querrey.