Bernard Tomic will look to continue his strong Australian Open summer when he faces fellow aussie Marinko Matosevic in the first round of the Apia International tonight. Join us for live scores and commentary from 6:00pm AEST
Tomic approaches the 2013 Sydney International on the back of a superb performance at the Hopman Cup in Perth, winning all three of his singles matches against Tommy Haas, Novak Djokovic and Andreas Seppi.
However, none of the preceding victories rewarded Tomic with any ATP points, so in reality, the former Wimbledon quarter-finalist has yet to play a competitive match in 2013.
That changes tonight as Tomic aims to defeat Australia’s highest ranked player on the ATP tour in a bid to really kick-start his Australian Open summer.
Despite not commanding the same fanfare as Tomic, Matosevic experienced his best season on the ATP tour in 2012, finishing inside the top 50 of the ATP rankings while also being named the ATP tour’s most improved player.
The Croatian born Australian went close to winning his maiden ATP tour title last year, making the final of the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships where he lost to South African Kevin Anderson.
After making his maiden ATP tour final last season, Matosevic will fancy his chances of going one better in Sydney, even if he has to eliminate Australia’s best young talent in the process.
Prediction
Tomic’s unorthodox style of play frustrates even the best players on the ATP tour and he will look to unsettle Matosevic early by playing extended rallies and a lot of slices.
Matosevic on the other hand will rely on his big serve and forehand to get on top of Tomic’s game, and if he fires, Tomic may struggle to contain his fellow compatriot.
Overall, Tomic at his best possesses enough class to defeat Matosevic, but given that this is his first competitive match of the season, expect Australia’s great hope to toil his way through a tough three setter.
Tomic in three sets.
Alan
Roar Guru
Well Tomic did what he had to against Matosevic and showed his class with a convincing win on centre court. His next opponent will be the German Florian Mayer who playing a telling role in Australia's demise in Davis Cup qualifying last year. That should be an interesting match-up between two very interesting players who are in form. Thanks for joining us tonight and we look forward to your company next time when the Aus Open kicks in on Monday. Tomic 6 6 Matosevic 3 4
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND MATCH TOMIC - Tomic with an ace and its another match point for the young aussie star. Matosevic then sends the forehand wide and Tomic secures a very comfortable victory over Matosevic. Too much class from the Australian tonight. Tomic 6 6 Matosevic 3 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic nets the backhand and its 0-15 Matosevic who will get a lot of energy out of that. Tomic responds though with a ruthless serve and forehand combination. 15 all Tomic 6 5 Matosevic 3 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic sends the backhand long and he will now have to serve for a place in the 2nd round. Can Matosevic break back or will Tomic go through safely? Tomic 6 5 Matosevic 3 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic nets another forehand and Matosevic grinds his way to a game point. Tomic 6 5 Matosevic 3 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic nets the forehand and its deuce. Matosevic hanging on by a thread. Tomic 6 5 Matosevic 3 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Great return from Tomic and he now has match point..... Tomic 6 5 Matosevic 3 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic moves up and produces another forehand winner down the line. Too good and its deuce. Tomic 6 5 Matosevic 3 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Easy power from the Tomic racquet but Matosevic hangs on well and forces the error from Tomic. Game point Tomic 6 5 Matosevic 3 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Double fault from Matosevic and its not been his day. Tomic has frustrated him no question. 30-30. Tomic 6 5 Matosevic 3 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Matosevic with another forehand winner and its 30-0. Tomic with a wonderful backhand winner down the line and its 30-15 Tomic 6 5 Matosevic 3 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Matosevic with another ace and its 15-0 Tomic 6 5 Matosevic 3 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic very comfortable on serve here and its 5-3. Too good. Tomic 6 5 Matosevic 3 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic too good with his serve and forehand inbehind Matosevic. 30-0 Tomic 6 4 Matosevic 3 3
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME MATOSEVIC - Matosevic with an easy hold here but he is down a break in the second set and needs to respond soon against a red hot Tomic. Tomic 6 4 Matosevic 3 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Matosevic with a strong serve down the middle and its 30-15. Tomic 6 4 Matosevic 3 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Matosevic with another unforced error and its 0-15. He responds though with a strong forehand winner down the line. Great shot. 15-15 Tomic 6 4 Matosevic 3 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic with a wonderful forehand winner crosscourt and Matosevic can do nothing but look on. Tomic holds easiy with another strong serve and its 4-2 Tomic 6 4 Matosevic 3 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Matosevic with a strong backhand cross court and its 30-15 Tomic Tomic 6 3 Matosevic 3 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic has been in complete control from the get go. I thought he would take a while to find his rythem tonight but he has played very well from the against Matosevic, who is now starting to spray his forehands. 15-0 Tomic 6 3 Matosevic 3 2