Tomic 6-1, 6-2
It was a walk in the park for Tomic today as he secures his place in the next round in well under an hour. Sijsling just didn’t ask any questions of Tomic and the Australian dominated in every facet of the game. Tougher challenge coming up though as he takes on the German Phillip Koelscreiber.
Bernard Tomic has a strong record at the Apia International and will be favoured to continue his good form in Sydney when he plays Igor Sijsling today. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3:00pm AEDT
After being outplayed by Kei Nishikori at the Brisbane International, Tomic is back in action against an opponent he last met at a Challenger event back in 2009.
While Sijsling won their only previous encounter on the Challenger circuit, Tomic is by far the more established player on the ATP tour and starts a heavy favourite against the Dutch player this afternoon.
If recent history is anything to go by, Tomic is difficult to beat at the Apia International. He won this tournament two years ago after defeating Kevin Anderson in the final. Tomic would go on and make the final again a year later but was humbled by Juan Martin del Potro.
Having already defeated Sam Querrey and Thanasi Kokkinakis this season, Tomic has two good wins under his belt. His convincing defeat to Nishikori however does prove that the young Australian has a long way to go if he hopes to match the very best players on tour.
For a player of Tomic’s physical stature, he doesn’t generate as much power off the forehand and backhand side compared to players of similar height. Tomic has the potential to generate plenty of power but it appears that he holds himself back at times.
Such a tactic proved his undoing against Nishikori. Tomic used the slice plenty of times against the Japanese star, only to be put on the back foot by Nishikori’s aggressive shot-making.
If Tomic is to take that next step, he has to start playing with more aggression. He needs to serve bigger, particularly on second serve which is a major weakness.
If he can play to his potential, Tomic should win today and once again progress deep into the tournament.
Tomic in straight sets.
Alan
Roar Guru
It was a walk in the park for Tomic today as he secures his place in the next round in well under an hour. Sijsling just didn't ask any questions of Tomic and the Australian dominated in every facet of the game. Tougher challenge coming up though as he takes on the German Phillip Koelscreiber.
Alan
Roar Guru
Seventh ace for Tomic here. Make it eight and Tomic easily wins!! GAME SET AND MATCH TOMIC Tomic 6 6 Sijsling 1 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic serving for the match. Another forehand winner for 15-0 Tomic 6 5 Sijsling 1 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Sijsling with a rare ace out wide for 40-0. Two aces in a row and he holds for just the third time in the match Tomic 6 5 Sijsling 1 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic races to 40-0 yet again. Sijsling with no weapons whatsoever to trouble the Australian. Tomic holds with an ace and he close to the next round here. Tomic 6 5 Sijsling 1 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic in a hurry here and he hasn't even gotten out of first gear. Tomic with another forehand winner and its 15-0 Tomic 6 4 Sijsling 1 1
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK TOMIC Tomic 6 4 Sijsling 1 1 Sijsling fails with the serve and volley and Tomic breaks yet again
Alan
Roar Guru
Good rallies here from Tomic. Just getting into his groove for the matches to come. More break points for the Australian.. Tomic 6 2 Sijsling 1 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic just long with the slice backhand down the line. It was a good point from Sijsling though and its 15-0 Tomic 6 2 Sijsling 1 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Its a walk in the park for Tomic here. He holds comfortably yet again Tomic 6 3 Sijsling 1 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic with an ace down the tee and its 15-0. Too easy. Tomic nets the forehand and its 15 all Tomic 6 2 Sijsling 1 1
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK TOMIC Super play from Tomic as he returns the Sijsling first serve with interest with a backhand winner down the line on the stretch! Tomic 6 2 Sijsling 1 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic produces another strong return and its break point... Tomic 6 1 Sijsling 1 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic with break point as Sijsling sends the forehand long. Good serve down the tee gets it back to deuce Tomic 6 1 Sijsling 1 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic aggressive on the return there as he produces a forehand down the line for the winner. 15-30. Good serve down the tee from Sijsling makes it 30-30 Tomic 6 1 Sijsling 1 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Sijsling wide with the forehand down the line and its 15 all Tomic 6 1 Sijsling 1 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic hasn't showcased his power game but he doesn't need to so far. Very comfortable here. Tomic 40-0. Tomic holds easily as Sijsling nets the backhand slice Tomic 6 1 Sijsling 1 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Sijsling with the serve and volley forces the error and he holds opening game second set Tomic 6 0 Sijsling 1 1
Alan
Roar Guru
FIRST SET TOMIC Too easy for Tomic as he secures the opening set in under 20 minutes. Good signs from the Australian. Tomic 6 0 Sijsling 1 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Tomic back to deuce here as he fails to convert two set points.... Tomic 5 Sijsling 1