Sweet revenge for Rafa as de Minaur downed to keep legend's Madrid fairytale alive
Alex de Minaur has missed out on the chance of a lifetime to beat Rafael Nadal on clay in successive tournaments, blown away by…
He raised eyebrows when he predicted he would test positive to COVID but Bernard Tomic was right all along.
The 29-year-old Aussie lost his Australian Open qualifier against Russia’s Roman Safiullin in straight sets. During the match he made a (one-way) bet with the umpire that he would test positive and if he did the umpire had to buy him dinner.
The prediction turned out to be 100% correct and it is vindication for Tomic after many saw the move as another excuse for the controversial tennis player.
Remember flaming galah Tomic whinging that he thought he had covid earlier in the week?
Well he actually got around to having a test and yes he does
— Paul Meek (@PaulMeekPerth) January 13, 2022
Tomic told The Age that he really was committed to a big 2022 and that the virus knocked him around.
“I still feel pretty sick,” he said.
“I feel worse mentally than physically because I really was motivated to make a comeback and show the Australian public that I can be the tennis player they expect me to be. I’m disappointed this virus stopped me from doing that.
“I just couldn’t fire on all cylinders. As much as I tried, I didn’t have the energy to fight. I’m going to do everything it takes to get back to the top. I really appreciate everyone’s support.”
Hard not feel bad for Bernie Tomic. Took guts and courage just to step out onto court with the feeling of being hit by a truck. Onwards and upwards for Bernie. Top 20 end of year incoming #AusOpen
— Uncle Toeby (@UToeby) January 13, 2022
Tomic took aim at the testing protocols during his straight-sets loss.
“I cannot believe nobody is getting tested. They are allowing players to come onto the court with rapid tests in their room – c’mon. No official PCR testing.”
Very concerning that Tomic has now tested positive considering he told everybody he suspected this during his match but the RATs were not accurate. He was adamant that he would be positive and he was right. The #AusOpen is going to be a hot mess!
— Lucia (@lfsleigh) January 13, 2022
Tomic is the second Australian tennis player to receive a positive result with Nick Kyrgios also racing the clock to recover in time for the Open.