Bernard Tomic will be looking to make the most of his top 16 seeding when he begins his Australian Open campaign against Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin. Join The Roar for live scores from 4pm (AEDT).
Despite retiring at the Sydney International late last week, the signs are positive for Tomic as he bids to improve on last year’s fourth-round showing at the Australian Open.
Tomic impressed at this year’s Brisbane International, beating top-ten player Kei Nishikori, before losing in two tie-breaker sets to eventual champion Milos Raonic.
Furthermore, Tomic’s record against Istomin is strong, with the Australian having notched up three wins in four matches. However, Istomin prevailed in the last match between the pair, in Washington in 2014.
Istomin’s arsenal is solid if unspectacular. He possesses a reliable serve and forehand, but his backhand is his most solid shot and can cause damage if Istomin is given time to execute.
Tomic himself can be unspectacular at times, when it is obvious that he can hit the ball with more power when he wants to. It is an area of his game that continues to hold him back against the elite.
Unlike Nick Kyrgios, who is ultra aggressive with his play, Tomic seems to enjoy switching up his style in a bid to unsettle the rhythm of his opponent. While such a tactic may pay off against Istomin, Tomic will have to learn to adopt a far more aggressive approach against the big guns.
Indeed, Tomic was well beaten in the fourth round last year by Tomas Berdych, who overpowered the Australian with his strong serve, forehand and backhand shots.
If given the chance, Tomic has to get on the front foot and hit winners on a consistent basis if he is to become an elite player.
Istomin has played Tomic enough times to figure his game out, and if the Australian starts with complacency, Istomin could make things difficult for the former Wimbledon quarter-finalist.
All in all, Tomic usually performs well at the Australian Open, and should be expected to start on a winning note.
Tomic in four sets.
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