Bernard Tomic’s quest to return to professional tennis faced a setback during a recent match in Mallorca, compromising what was developing into a remarkable comeback narrative. Despite his extensive time spent on the Challenger Tour, Tomic has made headlines primarily for his contentious behaviour off the court, but it seems he is determined to conclude his career positively.
Once noted for a match that allegedly lasted only 28 minutes, Tomic’s last few years have been fraught with challenges, including physical confrontations and a lackadaisical attitude towards his sport during what should have been his prime. Yet, he has decided to give tennis another go. Competing again at the Mallorca Open, he faced familiar Australian Rinky Hijikata, achieving a timely first-round victory for the first time since the 2021 Australian Open. However, he was subsequently eliminated by seasoned opponent Roberto Bautista Agut.
The defeat, which saw Tomic lose 6-3, 6-3, has somewhat dampened his momentum in Spain. Nevertheless, despite the loss, there’s a silver lining: Tomic’s ranking is set to improve from 248 to 214, a significant leap from his rank outside the top 1200 earlier this year. Regrettably, this rise in standing won’t grant him entry to Wimbledon, yet his path suggests potential qualification for the US Open in the future.
In a candid discussion on a podcast, Tomic expressed his desire to retire “guilt-free.” He identified tennis as a lifelong passion instilled in him from a young age, driven significantly by his father’s support. At 32, he seeks renewed purpose through the sport and aims to reach the top 100 rankings before retiring. He acknowledges the difficulties faced as an isolated athlete, particularly the emotional toll of continuous travel and competition, influencing his earlier detachment from the game.
Reflecting on his complex history with the media, Tomic holds no grudges despite acknowledging how his past behaviour elicited harsh critiques. He described the Australian media as “the worst in the world,” noting the tendency for negative stories to attract more attention than positive ones.
Overall, while the recent loss in Mallorca is a setback, it does not define Tomic’s journey. He remains resolute in his mission to reclaim his place in the competitive tennis scene and finish his career on his own terms.