Future star Tomic falters beneath the stars
Roar Rookie
By Matthew Stephen, 23 Jan 2010 Matthew Stephen is a Roar Rookie
- Tagged:
- Australian Open, Bernard Tomic, Marin Cilic, Tennis
All the talk should be about the future of Australian tennis and the fact that Bernard Tomic showed a great deal of potential in his defeat to Marin Cilic.
World No. 14 Cilic prevailed after 3 hours and 48 minutes 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 4-6 6-2 6-4 win on Rod Laver Arena, with the match finishing just after 2am.
The match was second on court, after a stunning women’s second round clash between Elena Dementieva and Justine Henin, which lasted nearly 3 hours and concluded at around 10pm in Melbourne, thus meaning Tomic’s matchup with Cilic didn’t begin until close to 1030.
It appeared that Tomic had taken two giant steps forward in his quest for tennis stardom. Sadly, he has taken three steps back with comments afterwards in his post match press conference.
Tomic was unhappy that after requesting a day match, he received a night session and was forced to play late at night.
“It’s difficult for me. I had the same problem last year. I can’t see after one o’clock, two o’clock, for a 17-year-old to go out and play.
“Name me any sport you play at one or two in the morning, except this. Especially me, at my age, it’s difficult.’’
With these comments, he has sadly taken the attention away from a wonderful performance against quality opposition.
I just hope that this is a one-off for Tomic as he looks to win over the Australian public.
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Justin said | January 23rd 2010 @ 9:18am | Report comment
Well he stood by his comments yesterday too. He said his “bedtime” was 9 or 10pm. I mean does he want to be treated like a child? He is playing in a farkin Grand Slam. Grow up, toughen up BOY!
Mark Young said | January 24th 2010 @ 11:00am | Report comment
Tomic is completely right.
Starting a game of sport at that hour and running it through to 2am is ridiculous.
The organisers of this tournament want to get as many people as possible to watch the games on TV and at the ground. Playing a game at that time ensures that as few people as possible get to watch.
He may be a little brat, but he is a correct little brat.
Matthew Stephen said | January 24th 2010 @ 10:57pm | Report comment
What would you do to fix it then? If a match is second on at night and goes for near on 4 hours it is going to finish late.
Mark Young said | January 25th 2010 @ 10:44am | Report comment
Howdy Matt
I have no idea how to fix it!!
You could start early but then you may finish early.
You could postpone but then the fans paying that night could ask for a refund and you have to reschedule.
However, both of those options are preferable to playing in the middle of night when no-one is watching!!
Enjoy the rest of the tournament.