Bernard Tomic’s first round exit from Wimbledon has taken many people by surprise, including myself. Many people, not just in Australia, but also around the world expected him to at least challenge his quarter final appearence of last year.
This is not only because of his technical ability, but more importantly because he has usually defended his points from each Grand Slam he has competed in from year to year.
Tomic is lacking clarity in the mind, which was shown in his loss to David Goffin. Tomic is the most naturally gifted player of the two, there is no doubt.
However, for all the shots and skills that he has at his disposal, Tomic struggles to put his game together on a consistent basis, resulting in many disappointing results on tour recently and many people questioning his ability to reach the top of the men’s game.
His mindset and temperament is similar to Roger Federer when he was younger. Federer, in 2001, made the quarter finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon, but in 2002 he was knocked out in the first round of both the French and Wimbledon.
In the French Open run in 2001, Federer defeated Stefano Galvani, Sargis Sargsian, David Sanchez and Wayne Arthurs before being defeated by Alex Corretja.
In the Wimbledon run in 2001, Federer defeated Christophe Rochus, Xavier Malisse, Jonas Bjorkman and famously Pete Sampras before being defeated by Tim Henman. In 2002, he was defeated by Hicham Arazi and Mario Ancic at the French Open and Wimbledon respectively.
Tomic’s 2011 Wimbledon run included wins over Nikolay Davydenko, Igor Andreev, Robin Soderling and Xavier Malisse before being defeated by eventual champion Novak Djokovic. In 2012, he was defeated by David Goffin in the opening round at Wimbledon, marking the worst performance by the Australian men at Wimbledon since 1938.
I think Tomic will be a top player within a year or two if he focuses on his endurance, which will fix and improve his mental clarity, and improve his explosive power in his legs, which will improve his movement around the court, as well as helping him get more out of his serving performance.
If he does this, Tomic will reach the levels we have expected of him. With the talent and ability he has got, Tomic is too good not to reach the levels we have expected of him at some point within the next year or two.
Ryan Eckford
Roar Guru
Goffin is definitely no slouch. He will be a consistent Top 20/30 player with a peak ranking of around 6-10.
Ryan Eckford
Roar Guru
5 slams or more is pretty much right on the mark. If Tomic needs another coach at some point down the track, it needs to be someone who is very experienced, and has seen it all in the game.
Oracle
Guest
Bernaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd needs to get rid of the old manif he is going to get to the next level.
k77sujith
Roar Guru
While your comparisons with the great Federer's run of losses are acceptable, it'd take a mammoth effort on part of Tomic to get within a bull's roar of Federer. Tomic is talented and played some great tennis till recently but he's been making news for several wrong reasons and is sort of a regular in tabloids...which shows his head isn't in the right place. Goffin is no slouch and tipped to be a future superstar. Tomic himself has said (post Wimbledon) that he hasn't been so focused on tennis in the last few months which is a shame. He's got to be more disciplined in his approach to the game I reckon, but has great potential without doubt. Thanks.
Kev
Guest
Give it time give it time. The kid is only 19 and he is showing classic signs of immaturity and that will hopefully go as he develops. It's down to how hard he is willing to work.
Kev
Guest
I like your comparison of Tomic and Federer's demeanour. I can recall when Federer was seen as being so calm on court that he was accused of being lazy and complacent. Tomic has shown enough through his performances that he has the ability and the talent to win some grand slams but it is the mental side of his game that still needs to develop and that will in time. Once he has that worked out the big drops in form during matches when the pressure is on will go.
matt
Guest
Agree. I would ask, what levels do we expect of him? 5 slams or more? I think this is his expectation. I guess the upside is he still has so much room for improvement: strength, power and physical endurance; mental toughness, consistency and so much more... My prediction he won't achieve anywhere near the expected level unless he gets a "real coach". Sorry dad but you are increasingly part of the problem rather than the solution...
swannies05
Roar Pro
Agreed Turnover. Improving his mental strength has also got to be priority, as you pointed out Ryan this should come with improving his endurance. Right now I hate how he concedes points so easily. I am not the biggest fan of Tomic, nor was I of Lleyton but at least Lleyton showed some bloody ticker!!
Turnover
Roar Guru
Good call on the leg explosiveness. He is massively talented and when in good form has an ability to dictate the point despite his lack of movement. But good players have to find a way to win even when they're not playing that well. He needs to learn this. Along with improving his movement, he needs to work on his returns of serve. Even against opposition without big serving games, he too often guesses and concedes an easy ace. Perhaps more analysis of his opponent needs to be undertaken pre match. Someone should take the hard line with him, get him much stronger to get more on his serve and more from his legs.