Bernard Tomic, the Australian tennis player once marked by immense promise and controversy, has achieved a significant milestone in his comeback journey. At the Mallorca Open, Tomic secured his first ATP main draw victory since 2021, a moment that underscores his determination to revive his career.
The 32-year-old, whose career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, defeated fellow Australian Rinky Hijikata in a hard-fought match. After dropping the first set, Tomic rallied to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, displaying the resilience that has characterized his recent efforts to return to the upper echelons of professional tennis. This victory is particularly meaningful for Tomic, who was once ranked as high as world number 17 but has since seen his ranking plummet to 248.
Tomic's path back to the ATP circuit has been a grind. After stepping away from high-level competition in 2019, he has spent the past several years competing in Challengers and Futures events, working to regain his form and ranking. His appearance at the Mallorca Open marks his return to the main-level tournament scene after a hiatus since the 2021 Australian Open.
His journey to the main draw in Mallorca was not without its challenges. Tomic had to navigate through the qualifying rounds, where he secured wins against Jesper De Jong and Aleksandar Kovacevic. These victories set the stage for his first-round match against Hijikata, where he demonstrated both skill and mental fortitude to secure the win.
Tomic has been candid about his motivations, expressing a desire to return to the top 100 in the ATP rankings. He believes that achieving this milestone would allow him to retire from the sport "happy and guilt-free". Tomic acknowledges that he is not in his prime, but he is determined to challenge himself and make one more push to reach his former heights.
Tomic's career has been marked by both talent and turbulence. His early success was often overshadowed by controversial behavior and a perceived lack of dedication. However, in recent times, he has shown a renewed focus and commitment to the sport. He has spoken openly about past mistakes and his desire to leave a more positive legacy.
His resurgence has not gone unnoticed, with many in the tennis world acknowledging his efforts to rebuild his career. While some remain skeptical, others are cautiously optimistic about his chances of making a significant comeback. Whether he ultimately achieves his goal of returning to the top 100 remains to be seen, but his recent victory in Mallorca is a step in the right direction. Tomic is scheduled to face Roberto Bautista Agut in the next round.
