Bernard Tomic will go into his fourth-round showdown against seventh seed Tomas Berdych in a few hours as Australia’s last chance at Wimbledon glory, but that hasn’t stopped the 20-year-old from attempting to lure out the Czech giant with a bit of pre-match banter.
The young Aussie showed little worry when he fronted reporters yesterday ahead of Monday’s clash with the 2010 Wimbledon finalist, paying a backhanded compliment to his proven opponent.
“It’s not easy because Tomas is very strong. He hits a big ball.
“You’ve got to be ready. I think I can use what I have, you know, and really give it to him because I think if I play my tennis, he’s not going to like what I have to offer.”
Tomic is coming off a five set win against ninth seed Richard Gasquet on Saturday, however his next opponent boasts grass court wins against some of the world’s best.
“I’m playing a guy now who’s been in the finals of this tournament before,” Tomic said.
“This guy can beat Federer, can beat Novak, can beat everyone. It’s not easy playing this guy.
“I’ve got to be ready. If that match comes across, it will be huge. I can’t think ahead of myself, especially playing against Tomas.”
Tomic still hasn’t had any luck asking the Grand Slam tournament to reverse an ATP ban on his father, John, something Tomic admits unsettles him, but there will be still plenty on the line when he goes up against Berdych- namely a return to the top 30.
Currently ranked 59th, Tomic has a chance to return to the world’s top 30 for the first time June last year and a win could propel him above his career high rank of 27.
Get amongst CraveOnlineAU on Twitter and Facebook for daily sport, music, entertainment and gaming news.
Follow Robert White on Twitter @RobertWhitebrrr.
Julian Finney, Getty Images.
