BACK AFTER A BIG BREAK

Homesick Aussie ace Robbo refreshed and raring to go

BY

NEIL ROBERTSON wants to put 18 months of hell behind him by landing a Masters hat-trick.

The Aussie, 41, suffered from a serious bout of homesickness as results on the table plummeted.

World No.7 Robertson took a break away from the game after the UK Championship, missing the Scottish Open, to spend a month down under for Christmas with his family.

“I feel as if it’s Neil Robertson 2.0 and I’m starting the next chapter of my career now,” said the 2012 and 2022 Masters champion, who plays Barry Hawkins (right) in the first round tonight.

“I’m refreshed. It feels like I’m on a new journey now and I’ve left everything behind, good or bad, from the past year to 18 months.

“I was really struggling because I hadn’t seen some members of my family for over four years.

“Going home and seeing the family was amazing and everything I hoped the trip would be.

“I got to reset mentally. I didn’t realise how much I actually needed it until I was out there. I’ve got a fresh mind, fresh body and ready to go again.

“Looking back at it, my social media posts were getting a little bit toxic, nothing nasty, but it was pretty evident it was a path I shouldn’t be going down.

“I was looking at calling out players who take their time in toilet breaks and people who play slow on purpose.

“Spending a few weeks in the Australian summer was a great way to recharge the batteries. I didn’t have to suffer the cold and the darkness over here.”

Robertson was dominant on the baize with four big titles just two seasons ago.

But he has won just 10 matches in the past year and things have got so bad it appears likely he will have to qualify for the World Championship for the first time since 2007.

“I’ve got the belief I can get back to the top of the game,” added Robertson, whose proud record of winning an event every year since 2006 ended in 2023.

“It wasn’t too long ago I was consistently winning tournaments. I feel like my game’s there, but people have been playing unbelievably against me this season.”