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Tomic bounding towards big goals


 

Originally published on: 29/06/11 10:17

‘I have nothing to lose,’ is a statement some say to put pressure on the opponent, to mask the nerves or deflect attention, but Bernand Tomic really can go out all guns blazing against Novak Djokovic in his first Grand Slam quarter-final today.

The only qualifier left in the men’s quarter-finals, the Stuttgart-born youngster’s dream run has propelled the 18-year-old – who boldly declared he wanted to be world No.1 and win all the Grand Slams early in his junior career – a little closer to his ultimate goals.

“I’d love to get into Grand Slams without a wildcard,” said Tomic, a little more realistic now as a wisened adult. He ranked at No.158 coming into the tournament, but is guaranteed to leap into the top 70 after it’s conclusion.

“This is going to push me up real close to where I want to be,” Tomic added. “I haven’t got a lot of points to defend before the US so everything is a plus for me now.”

The only first time quarter-finalist to feature in this year’s men’s draw, Tomic has put together a seven match-winning streak, starting in qualifying, at SW19 and while his run is but a drop in the ocean in comparison to his Serbian opponent’s 43-match winning streak this season, it’s served as an extra boost to the confident Aussie’s belief.

“I’m happy that I’ve started at a young age to win rounds at the Grand Slams and put myself up there to know what’s ahead,” added Tomic, who has been following the advice of compatriot Pat Rafter during Wimbledon. He’s grown to love the lawns of South West London, just like the 2001 finalist, and has excelled on the surface despite only recording Grand Slam match-wins in Melbourne prior to this tournament.

“My game and movement suits this surface and that’s when I can really play my game,” finished Tomic. And you can bet he will do just that when he takes on his regular practice partner on the big stage for the first time later today.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.