Bernard Tomic will have to produce a career-defining performance if he hopes to upset world no.1 and all-time great Rafael Nadal in the opening round of the 2014 Australian Open. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.30pm AEDT.
Tomic could not have asked for a harder opening to his Australian Open campaign. In saying that, tonight’s match-up against Nadal presents an opportunity for him to truly showcase whether he has the game and temperament to become a great player.
The young Australian certainly has the talent to match the very best. His performance at the 2011 Wimbledon championships where he reached the quarter-finals proves this.
While talent will certainly win many matches, it is the never say die and ruthlessness of players like Nadal that plays the leading role in delivering grand slam titles.
Nadal is a gladiator on court and he will endeavor to move Tomic around the court with his extremely solid forehand and backhand.
Against Juan Martin Del Potro last week, Tomic was well beaten in just 53 minutes due to the Argentine’s ability to bully the Australian with his very strong forehand.
If Tomic finds himself on the defensive in a lot of tonight’s rallies, Nadal will control tonight’s contest and secure a straight sets victory.
As invincible as Nadal did seem at times last season, the Spaniard still suffered some surprise defeats that should catch Tomic’s eye.
At last year’s Wimbledon championships, Nadal suffered a straight sets opening round defeat to Steve Darcis in one of the biggest upsets in grand slam history.
In 2012, Nadal also lost in five sets to Lukas Rosol in the second round of the Wimbledon championships.
Although both of these defeats were on grass, Tomic would be wise to replicate the aggressive style that Rosol in particular implemented against Nadal at Wimbledon.
Tomic has the weapons to cause Nadal trouble. His forehand when on song is a terrific weapon that has the potential to pin Nadal deep inside the baseline.
Indeed in 2011, Tomic troubled Nadal significantly in his straight sets defeat against the Spaniard at the Australian Open.
In the second set in particular, Tomic managed to break Nadal’s serve thanks largely to his ability to hit the ball with interest.
Anything short that is offered up by Nadal tonight must be punished by Tomic. If there is a chance to go on the front foot in a rally, the Australian has to take it.
If Tomic can take his chances and play with controlled aggression, then perhaps he can do what Rosol and Darcis did before him and maybe cause the upset.
Anything less than a complete performance from Tomic though will see Nadal emerge victorious.
Nadal in straight sets.
Marlowe Camello
Guest
The extreme heat at the tennis court in Melbourne could be COOKING THE BRAINS of the players. I think the tournament authorities should consider postponing the games. It's just too bad for the health of the players. If a heavy downpour of rain can stop games why not when the other opposite excessive temperature is around.
Patrick
Guest
armchair warrior
nadine
Guest
So Tomic retires with groin injury-Maybe if he stopped pulling it and used his balls instead,he might actually be worthy of playing tennis with real men. And he calls himself an Australian. no wonder he enjoys Toolies Week so much.
Victoria Liu-Pearson
Roar Guru
Just glad to see Rafa back! Disappointed not to see more of him here since it's been two years! Went to this and was very let down at it, wanted to see more especially of Rafa.
TheTruth
Guest
30k an hour...not bad when you can get it
apaway
Roar Guru
Yep, that pretty much defined his career so far.
Johnny Boy Jnr
Guest
He put in a better performance at Schoolies on the Gold Coast which isn't saying much. This guy is an absolute crumb
Jack
Guest
You could see tomic was playing on it
Oracle
Guest
Apparently the Poo is a pending family man.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Are we likely to see him and the missile out on the town tonight?
Oracle
Guest
Fair chance Tomic would not have chucked it in if he won the first set. Won't hinder his nightclub performances though.
Alan
Roar Guru
What a shame. Tomic has retired against Nadal after playing a very good first set of tennis against the world no. 1. Another aussie however will get a crack at Nadal in the second round with Kokkinakis emerging victorious in his earlier match. Still not the way Tomic wanted things to end. Rod Laver crowd wasn't happy with some booing Tomic for his decision. Can Tomic bounce back from a tough Australian Open summer? Thanks for joining us tonight and join us next time for more Australian Open action. Nadal 6 0 Tomic 4 0 ret
hammertime
Guest
Was that legit ? I didnt see it but seems odd to retire bang on losing the first set ?
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Tomic way to soft... Rafa will love the fact he doesn't have to deal with the heat!
Alan
Roar Guru
TOMIC HAS RETIRED DUE TO A GROIN INJURY - Very sad way to end what was an entertaining match. Nadal through to the second round. Groin injury gets the better of Tomic here.. Nadal 6 0 Tomic 4 0
Alan
Roar Guru
A good set of tennis from both players. Tomic needs to continue his aggressive approach here. That was a good set of tennis from him but....... what's happened!!!!!
Alan
Roar Guru
FIRST SET NADAL - Tomic slices into the net and Nadal secures the first set. Nadal 6 0 Tomic 4 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic long with the backhand return and Nadal with some set points here Nadal 5 Tomic 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Nadal with an ace down the tee for 15 all. Nadal with another ace down the tee for 30-15 Nadal 5 Tomic 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic unleashes with the forehand there and its 0-15. Tomic too good there. He certainly has the power to trouble Nadal here Nadal 5 Tomic 4