- Bernard Tomic’s recent results have been his best in years
- The 31-year-old is closing in on a ranking in the top 200
Forgotten Aussie tennis star Bernard Tomic has made his most significant pro tour final in six years – but he ended up setting a very embarrassing record in the process.
Tomic, 31, has been thrashed in record time by rising American star Learner Tien in the final of the Fairfield Challenger in San Francisco on Monday morning, going down 6-0 6-1 in just 39 minutes.
The former junior world No. 1 said he didn’t have ‘the legs’ to keep up with his 18-year-old opponent after an exhausting tournament.
‘Once I lost the first two or three games, it was tough mentally staying on track,’ Tomic said afterwards.
‘I’m sorry I couldn’t keep up with my legs.’
Tennis reporter Bastien Fachan commented on the situation, noting that the scoreline was the same as when the Aussie notched up the fastest loss in ATP Tour history.
It’s been an interesting tournament for Tomic, who was once considered one of the most exciting prospects Australia had ever produced.
Tomic was ranked in the 800s just over two years ago, with many predicting that his tennis career was over.
Bernard Tomic (pictured) has created an unwanted record in his first ATP Challenger final since 2018, losing the match in record time
However, his run in the Fairfield event had been impressive – and if he had won he might have put himself in contention for qualification to the Australian Open early next year.
Tennis commentator Mike Cation noted how quickly the final was played.
‘It feels like we just did the introductions,’ Cation said.
‘That is A) Learner is that good but B) that is what happens at the end of the week when somebody who’s a veteran has put in that much effort through the week, that next level of keeping up on the pace side with a player of Learner Tien’s calibre.
‘That’s going to be the question for Bernie moving forward here but a fantastic week, first final in six years, since 2018. Certainly is a great step but the day belongs to Learner Tien.’
Tomic has claimed 44 ranking points from the tournament, moving him closer to the top 200 than he has been in four years.
The controversial Aussie opened up earlier in the year about the mental struggles he has endured over the years.
The former junior world No. 1 said after the match that he didn’t have ‘the legs’ to keep up with his 18-year-old opponent
The controversial Aussie (pictured with girlfriend Keely Hannah) has produced his best run of results in many years
‘The tour is very difficult. Tennis is a very isolated sport. It is very tough mentally and you are on your own travelling,’ Tomic told Sportskeeda.
‘You are not playing a team sport like soccer or basketball. You are on your own. There’s a lot of travel involved and a lot of time is spent alone. You need to figure out how to feel mentally good and when to recharge the batteries.
‘I also struggled for three to four years. I’ve managed to turn it around and feel better mentally. When you travel from a young age for many, many years, it really can get to you mentally.
‘The sport can really drain you. You need to figure out what’s best for you mentally and always find a way to be positive and move forward. In tennis, you need to be mentally in a good state.’
