Bernard Tomic will need to be at his best tonight if he hopes to defeat the in-form Alexandr Dolgopolov at the Apia International. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.30pm AEDT.
After a clinical opening victory over Marcel Granollers in the first round, Tomic struggled somewhat in his three set victory over little known Blaz Kavcic and he will need to improve if he hopes to match Dolgopolov tonight.
Dolgopolov is playing some fine tennis at the moment as illustrated by his straight sets victory over second seed Jerzy Janowicz.
The Ukranian was in superb touch against Janowicz en route to a comprehensive 6-2, 6-2 victory against last year’s Wimbledon semi-finalist.
With good form on the board, Dolgopolov will prove a real handful for Tomic tonight, particularly if the Ukrainian finds his range from the forehand side.
Dolgopolov also has a terrific head to head record against Tomic, winning five of the six matches they have played against each other on the ATP tour.
Given that Dolgopolov is in good form, Tomic’s performance tonight will demonstrate whether or not the Australian is in really good nick heading into next week’s Australian Open.
Tomic can ill-afford a slow start against Dolgopolov. The Australian’s opponent tonight can play some inspired tennis when momentum is on his side.
Dolgopolov however can be inconsistent himself and is known to produce plenty of unforced errors when under pressure.
Tomic is going to have to find his range early with the forehand given that this shot remains his biggest weapon.
Against Granollers, Tomic finished the match with 18 winners, mostly from the forehand side. In the second set, he broke Granollers down thanks largely to his ability to hit forehand winner after forehand winner, particularly in the second set.
Dolgopolov however has plenty of firepower of his own, so if Tomic wants to keep control of proceedings, he will need to keep Dolgopolov pinned deep inside the baseline.
Given his impressive victory over Janowicz, Dolgopolov deserves to start the favourite here, but Tomic on the back of a vocal home crowd may just do enough to win this.
Tomic in three sets.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
You beauty!
Alan
Roar Guru
Great performance by Tomic against a player he has had trouble beating in recent times. Dolgopolov came into this match in good form but Tomic was superb. His movement was good, defending very well at times and his groundstrokes were very solid. Dolgopolov showed glimpses of his best but produced too many unforced errors to stand a chance tonight. Tomic's title defence remains well on track. Thanks for your company tonight and join us next time for more tennis action on The Roar Tomic 6 6 Dolgopolov 4 3
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND MATCH TOMIC - Tomic with another good serve and forehand combination and its match points now for the Australian! Dolgopolov goes wide with the forehand and Tomic wins! Tomic 6 6 Dolgopolov 4 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic with a good serve and forehand combination sets up the easy smash for 30-15. Tomic 6 5 Dolgopolov 4 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Dolgopolov with the backhand down the line and its 0-15. Good shot. He won't die wondering Dolgopolov that's for sure. Tomic with a good serve down the tee and its 15 all Tomic 6 5 Dolgopolov 4 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Dolgopolov holds with another ace and Tomic will now serve for the match Tomic 6 5 Dolgopolov 4 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic just misses the line with the crosscourt forehand and its 30-0. Dolgopolov on his way to an easy hold courtesy of an ace Tomic 6 5 Dolgopolov 4 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Dolgopolov needs to hold to stay in the match. 15-0 Tomic 6 5 Dolgopolov 4 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic holds as Dolgopolov sends his backhand return wide. One game away from a semi-final spot is Tomic Tomic 6 5 Dolgopolov 4 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Dolgopolov nets the forehand and its back to deuce. Big game this one. Tomic with great reactions at the net puts away the volley for game point! Tomic 6 4 Dolgopolov 4 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Dolgopolov with a big miss here as he nets the forehand when he had Tomic on the ropes courtesy of a good return. 30 all. Tomic nets the backhand though and its break point for Dolgopolov Tomic 6 4 Dolgopolov 4 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic nets the forehand and its 15 all. Tomic nets the forehand again and its 15-30. Dolgopolov with a chance to cause trouble perhaps Tomic 6 4 Dolgopolov 4 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Dolgopolov nets the backhand volley again and its 15-0. Tomic 6 4 Dolgopolov 4 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Dolgopolov with another ace down the tee for 40-15. Dolgopolov holds easily for 4-2 Tomic 6 4 Dolgopolov 4 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Ace from Dolgopolov and its 15 all. Tomic nets the backhand slice and its 30-15 Tomic 6 4 Dolgopolov 4 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic too solid at the moment for Dolgopolov who really needs to tighten his game if he hopes to stay alive at the Apia International. Tomic though odds on to win this. Great return from Tomic forces the error and its 0-15 Tomic 6 4 Dolgopolov 4 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Dolgopolov finally holds and is on the board in the third set. Tomic though holds easily himself and remains well on course to victory. The Australian is serving very well Tomic 6 4 Dolgopolov 4 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic very impressive thus far and its going to take something special from Dolgopolov to turn this around. Tomic is switched on here and on course for victory. Tomic's volley too long and its 15-0 Tomic 6 3 Dolgopolov 4 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic with an ace out wide and Tomic well on his way to the semi-finals at 3-0 second set Tomic 6 3 Dolgopolov 4 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Dolgopolov in real trouble now against a fired up Tomic who is playing aggressive and controlled tennis at the moment. Dolgopolov however really getting frustrated here. Unforced errors are mounting up. Dolgopolov misses the forehand down the line again and its game point Tomic Tomic 6 2 Dolgopolov 4 0