After surviving a scare last night, Bernard Tomic will be eager to hit the ground running today as he fights for a place in the final of the Sydney International against in-form Italian Andreas Seppi. Join us for live scores and commentary from 3:00pm AEDT.
Tomic was off the blocks slowly against Nieminen but managed to come back from a set down to win 6-7, 6-4, 6-2 in just under two hours.
While not at his best, Tomic showed great attitude to stick with Nieminen during the second set and wrestled momentum away from the defending champion to finish strongly in the third set.
It will be interesting to see how Tomic deals with the short turnaround when he faces Seppi, who also performed strongly in his quarter-final victory over Marcel Granollers.
With temperatures expected to hit 40 degrees today, the conditions will certainly test both players this afternoon, and with this in mind, whoever wins the first set may go a long way to winning this contest.
Prediction
Despite being 28 years of age, Seppi had his best season to date in 2012, making the Rome Masters semi-finals and the French Open fourth round last year.
Seppi was on the verge of making the quarter-finals at Roland Garros but lost to world no.1 Novak Djokovic after holding a two sets to love lead in the match.
On form, Seppi should present Tomic with his toughest challenge to date in Sydney so the Australian can ill-afford to start slowly against the Italian in tough conditions.
Tomic at his best does have Seppi covered when it comes to flair and power, with the Australian able to hit strong serves and forehands at will when on form.
If Seppi manages to keep the ball in play however, Tomic is prone to making several unforced errors as evidenced during the first set of yesterday’s win over Nieminen.
While Seppi will certainly test Tomic this evening, Tomic is riding a wave of momentum at the moment and should be favoured to progress to his maiden ATP tour final today.
Tomic in straight sets.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Alan Nicolea, I would just like to thank you for following of Tomic throughout his most recent matches. I have unfortunately not been home to keep an eye on the match but when I do get home I have a detailed match summary laid out for me. Thank you. Regards Kellett_1992
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND MATCH TOMIC - Tomic serves well and secures a straight sets 7-6, 6-4 victory over Seppi and secures a place in the final of the Apia International where he will play Kevin Anderson of South Africa. It was another gutsy and classy display from Tomic who survived several set and break points in the first set to secure the set and from there, he was never really troubled on serve against Seppi. On form you have to say that Tomic is favourite against Anderson given his strong form infront of the aussie crowd. Anderson though has been in good form and will test Tomic tomorrow. Thanks for joining us today and we look forward to your company tomorrow for Hewitt - Del Potro and tomic - Anderson Seppi 6 4 Tomic 7 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Double fault from Seppi and its 15-30 Tomic now as the Australian presses for a break. Another double fault from Seppi and its two break points for Tomic here..... Seppi 6 4 Tomic 7 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Seppi wide with the forehand and its 15 all Seppi 6 4 Tomic 7 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic with game point here and he produces a great second kick serve and its 4-4 second set. Seppi 6 4 Tomic 7 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Seppi nets the forehand and its game point for Tomic. Tomic though nets the forehand and its deuce now. Seppi with a look in here,... Seppi 6 4 Tomic 7 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic with a wild forehand swing that goes well wide and its 30-30 now Seppi 6 4 Tomic 7 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Well Seppi has not looked like being broken today and it may take another tiebreaker for Tomic to pull through here. The Italian has done well to get over the first set loss. Tomic continues to hold easily himself however and is playing well in tough conditions. Tomic too good with the wide serve and drop shot and its 30-0 Seppi 6 4 Tomic 7 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Seppi on course for another easy service hold here and he holds with another ace down the tee and leads 4-3 second set. Seppi 6 4 Tomic 7 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Good play at the net from Seppi and he forces the error from Tomic. 15-0. Tomic's backhand goes long and its 30-0 Seppi 6 3 Tomic 7 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic with a solid forehand winner after serving well down the tee and he holds to 15 and its 3-3 second set. Seppi 6 3 Tomic 7 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Three game points for Tomic now but Seppi produces a nice drop shot winner and its 40-15 Seppi 6 3 Tomic 7 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic with a wide ace and its 30-0 Seppi 6 3 Tomic 7 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Seppi with another ace and its game point for the Italian. He has served well today. Seppi with another ace and he holds well to lead 3-2 second set. Seppi 6 3 Tomic 7 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Seppi with another poor forehand miss after setting up the point with a strong wide serve. 30 all Seppi 6 2 Tomic 7 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Poor forehand from Seppi that hits the low part of the net after failing to handle Tomic's slices. 0-15. Seppi though responds with an ace. Seppi 6 2 Tomic 7 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic with good serves yet again and he holds comfortably and its 2-2 second set. Seppi 6 2 Tomic 7 2
Alan
Roar Guru
What a terrific backhand slice return from Tomic and its 15-0 after it looked as if Seppi did enough with the forehand. Great stuff. Seppi this time produces a forehand winner and its 15 all Seppi 6 2 Tomic 7 1
Alan
Roar Guru
30-0 thanks to two good Seppi serves. How will the Italian handle losing the first set after that huge call against his forehand winner that would have secured the first set for him? So far so good as Seppi holds to love and leads 2-1 second set. Seppi 6 2 Tomic 7 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic serving well and has momentum here after winning a drama filled opening set. He holds with an ace and its 1-1 second set. Seppi 6 1 Tomic 7 1