Fresh from an outstanding win, Bernard Tomic will look to secure his passage into the third round of the Australian Open when he meets big serving American Sam Querrey on Rod Laver Arena tonight. Join us for live scores and blog from 7:00pm AEST.
Tomic’s reputation as the ATP’s finest young talent gained further momentum when he came from two sets down to defeat seeded Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in the first round of the Australian Open.
Such a victory will have filled the 19 year old Australian with supreme confidence heading into his second round clash against Querrey.
Like Verdasco, Querrey possesses one of the biggest serves on the ATP tour. The American actually owns the world record for most consecutive aces served against an opponent. He served 10 aces in a row back in 2007 against fellow American James Blake.
Querrey however will need more than his serve to unsettle Tomic.
The young Australian has proven to be an astute returner, so Querrey can expect to see a few of his big serves returned with interest.
As for Tomic, expect the 2011 Wimbledon quarter-finalist to ease his way into the match as he hits a few slices and forces Querrey to play a few extra shots.
If Tomic can win the first set, then the Australian will most likely come out of his shell and begin hitting some winners, particularly from the forehand side.
Prediction:
Tomic rightfully starts this match as a favourite. The Australian has been playing some great tennis of late and he certainly has the form on the board to beat Querrey.
The American on the other hand is only just starting to regain full fitness, given that he missed the majority of last year through injury.
Although Querrey certainly possesses the power to overwhelm Tomic, his lack of match play (particularly in Grand Slams) over the past 12 months could work against him here.
Tomic to win in a tight four setter.
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic will now play Dolgopolov in the third round. Should be a beauty. Just repeating the final scoreline - Querrey 6 3 6 3 Tomic 3 6 7 6 Good prediction in the end...
Alan
Roar Guru
Querrey was brave today but his lack of match fitness told in the end here. Tomic just too classy in the fourth set. He returned very well against Querrey and the American just started to produce unforced errors.
Mals
Guest
Thanks for the call Alan! Working back late at the office so no TV handy.
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND MATCH TOMIC - Tomic has defeated Querrey in four sets here. The final score - Querrey 6 3 6 3 Tomic 3 6 7 6
Alan
Roar Guru
30-0 Tomic, Terrific slice for a winner from Tomic
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK - Double fault from the American gifts Tomic the break and the Australian will serve for the match.
Alan
Roar Guru
Unforced forehand error from Querrey and its another break point for Tomic... Querrey 6 3 6 3 Tomic 3 6 7 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Strong forehand down the line from Querrey on a big point again. Deuce Querrey 6 3 6 3 Tomic 3 6 7 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Double fault from Querrey and its now break point for Tomic...
Alan
Roar Guru
Nice volley from Querrey there on a big point. 15-30 Tomic, Querrey 6 3 6 3 Tomic 3 6 7 4
Alan
Roar Guru
0-15 Tomic thanks to a good dropshot
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic holds well though with good first serving. Querrey 6 3 6 3 Tomic 3 6 7 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Strong forehand winner from Querrey, 30-30, Querrey 6 3 6 3 Tomic 3 6 7 3
Alan
Roar Guru
15-15, Querrey 6 3 6 3 Tomic 3 6 7 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Querrey holds with an ace though and its 3-3 fourth set. Querrey 6 3 6 3 Tomic 3 6 7 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Now a double fault from Querrey, 40-30 querrey
Alan
Roar Guru
40-15 Querrey misses an easy forehand here. Querrey 6 3 6 2 Tomic 3 6 7 3
Alan
Roar Guru
30-0 Querrey, Querrey 6 3 6 2 Tomic 3 6 7 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic with another backhand winner down the line. The Australian is feeling the ball beautifully now. He holds easily. Querrey 6 3 6 2 Tomic 3 6 7 3
Alan
Roar Guru
40-0 Tomic, well in control of his serve here. Querrey 6 3 6 2 Tomic 3 6 7 2