Bernard Tomic faces a tricky assignment today as he plays German fifth seed Florian Mayer for a place in the quarter-finals of the Sydney International. Join us for live scores and commentary from 4:00pm AEST.
Tomic rarely had to get out of second gear against Matosevic yesterday, recording a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 victory over his fellow compatriot.
It was the Australian’s first competitive win of the season to go along with his three singles victories at the Hopman Cup last week.
After completely dictating proceedings against Matosevic, Tomic should get a much sterner test against a player he has yet to defeat in three outings thus far.
Mayer has a fine record over Tomic, winning all their previous three matches without dropping a set.
The German is also coming off a fine run at Wimbledon last year, making the quarter-finals before succumbing to Novak Djokovic.
After barely moving out of first gear against Matosevic, Tomic may need to be close to his best if he is to register a maiden victory over the German today.
Prediction
Mayer’s game is arguably one of the most unorthodox on the ATP tour and it is a style that has severely frustrated Tomic in their previous meetings.
The two players clashed twice in 2012, with Mayer beating Tomic on both occasions in straight sets.
Like Tomic, Mayer is a heavy slicer of the ball and is known for putting opponents off their games by playing long rallies whenever possible.
In order to get on top of Mayer’s game; Tomic has to be aggressive whenever he is given the opportunity to do so.
Tomic showed signs of his power yesterday when he produced some clinical forehand and backhand winners in his victory over Matosevic.
Whenever Mayer plays a neutral ball, Tomic must dictate proceedings and take the game to the German.
If he can do that, Tomic will go a long way to registering a tough win against a player that will certainly test the Australian both physically and mentally.
Tomic in three sets.
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic is enjoying a fine Australian Open summer and is undefeated thus far if you count his victories at the Hopman Cup. He was terrific against Mayer, who has had the wood over the Australian over the past few meetings. He is playing very aggressive tennis thus far and will fancy his chances of making the semi-finals this week when he meets Benneteau tomorrow. Everything going well for the australian tennis prodigy. Thanks for joining us today and please join us tomorrow when Tomic resumes his campaign at the Apia International Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 6
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND MATCH TOMIC - Mayer saves a match point with a superb backhand down the line. Terrific effort but to no avail one thinks. Tomic secures a quarter-final birth with a forehand winner. He is at the top of his game at the moment. Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic with another ace and its 30-15. 14 aces from the Australian thus far. Terrific effort. Tomic with another superb forehand winner and its match point. Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Well Tomic is on the verge of registering his first ever win against Mayer in what has been a terrific display by the Australian. Can he close it out. Mayer goes long with the lob and its 15-0 Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK TOMIC - Mayer nets the forehand and the unforced error count continues to rise. Tomic will now serve for the match. Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic punishes the Mayer second serve with a forehand winner down the line. Break point now for the Australian. Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Mayer losing control here as he nets the slice for 15-30. Tomic smells blood here Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 4
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME TOMIC - Tomic with another ace and its 40-0. Tomic in control here and he has all the momentum at the moment. Tomic holds easily as Mayer goes long with the return. Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic taking control here as he races to 30-0 with an ace. Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 3
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK TOMIC - Mayer sends a forehand wide and Tomic breaks the Mayer serve and he is really on his way to securing a quarter-final birth at the Apia international Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic ends a backhand rally with a superb backhand down the line and its another break point for the Australian. Great play. Can he convert? Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic with a strong backhand down the line and its another break point for the Australian. Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic nets the forehand and two unforced errors allows Mayer to get back to deuce. Now its game point for the German as Tomic loses concentration here.... Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Great rally from both players as Tomic defends well and then unleashes a strong forehand down the line and its two break points for the Aussie Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic with the big forehand down the line that Mayer cannot get back into play and its 0-30 Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Mayer nets the forehand and its 0-15 Tomic Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic holds well under pressure and its 2-2 as Mayer slices into the net. Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Good aggressive return from Mayer and its 30-30 as Tomic slices long Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic with another ace and its 30-15 Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Mayer wide with the forehand and its 15-0 Tomic Mayer 6 2 Tomic 7 1