Bernard Tomic upset top seed and world no. 13 Fabio Fognini 61 36 76, saving four match points to win the most important title of his career in Chengdu, China.
When Fognini couldn’t touch an inside out Tomic forehand to his backhand corner, a visibly emotionally overcome Tomic fell to the court flat on his back and continued to mutter to himself. He was as shocked, relieved and overjoyed as any player who ever won an ATP title ever was.
Over a year ago, the notion of the 25 year old Tomic winning a title again – he had won three previously – looked impossible. At Wimbledon in 2017 after an early loss, Tomic admitted he didn’t care if he won or lost anymore, his enthusiasm to compete had vanished. The tennis world came down hard on Tomic for expressing his true feelings. He was written off as a wasted talent, tanking failure.
Everybody dumped Tomic off as if he were rubbish. Head, Nike, Yonex, Tennis Australia, Lleyton Hewitt, the media, everybody considered the enigma of Tomic to be finished. But Tomic didn’t stop believing and he decided to get serious. He dug deep and fought his way back to once again find the level of playing his best tennis. He cared again, he wanted to be a winner.
There were no guarantees Tomic would succeed. Nobody was going to give him any free points or matches. He had tow work his way back up from Challengers and low level events where the players are hungrier and more desperate than a guy with $20 million in the bank.
Now we see in China Bernard Tomic showed he’s a champion, a true champion. He rose from the ashes like a Phoenix. He believed when nobody else did. He dug down deep and summoned the best tennis of his career. Tomic is a champion. All the doubters and cynics and armchair titans and experts have to join the chorus and salute that Bernard Tomic is a CHAMPION.
It was beautiful to see the joy, relief, exhilaration, ecstasy, thrill after Tomic won the match point. Fognini gave him a quick cold handshake, but Tomic didn’t care. He continued to enjoy the moment, the most joy he ever showed on a tennis court, talking to himself, looking skyward to his God, even kissing the court and embracing a Panda mascot.
It was Tomic vs. the world, nobody with him, nobody in his corner, no support, no coach (the ATP site lists his father as his coach), no entourage, and Tomic prevailed in China.
When you think about pro tennis stories of redemption and perseverance, like Brian Baker, Jennifer Capriati, Tennys Sandgren, Monica Seles, Victor Estrella Burgos, Thomas Muster, in a strange way, Bernard Tomic should be part of that company.
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Tomic quotes after the final…
“I should have lost five times. In the second round in qualifying to (Egor) Gerasimov, I was down 0/40 at 4-4 in the third set and I somehow got through that match; against (Bradley) Klahn in the first round I was down 7-6, 3-1 and in the second round I was down a match point as well against Harris. It’s been a rollercoaster, but I played more aggressive in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. I don’t know how many match points I saved today.
“I haven’t won a title since Bogota in 2015. At 6/3 [in the tie-break] he struck a double fault, then the court began to get slippery. We both agreed to keep playing, but during my matches in qualifying and the first round it was slippery, so I began to stand ready for the return differently. It enabled me to return on the 6/4 point, then I got a lucky net cord winner on the next point.
“For me to win here is huge, one of the biggest [ATP World Tour] 250 tournaments in the world and it means that I’ll rise back up the ATP Rankings.”
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1 2 Next »Tom Sawyer · October 1, 2018 at 12:38 pm
It’s a great story. Never liked his attitude or personality – I lived in Australia recently and he is unlike so many of the aussies I knew (DeMinaur’s humble personality is more representative) BUT I have always really liked Tomic’s game. I like unique playing styles – I hope he can continue to climb and ultimately enjoy tennis.
Btw, is it just me or is it odd that Ferrer is playing a challenger in Mexico?
Scoop Malinowski · October 1, 2018 at 1:32 pm
Really odd. Maybe Ferrer wants to keep his ranking up and try to extend his career beyond what he previously said. He’s at 149 now. He’s also playing doubles in Monterrey this week, can’t recall ever seeing Ferrer play doubles. Monfils just played a Challenger in China but that was to get ready for the China ATP events. Tomic is a different animal, like Philippoussis, Kyrgios and Hewitt all differed from the typical Aussie competitive spirits. Odd how Australia keeps producing these major talents with such diverse personalities and mindsets.
catherine · October 1, 2018 at 3:00 pm
It’s because Australia is a nation of migrants and all these players have distinctive personalities based on different ethnic backgrounds. For some reason tennis is a sport which seems to attract potential talent from immigrant families.
A few generations ago this wasn’t the case. Hewitt I’d say is an example of the older Anglo-Australian group.
Scoop Malinowski · October 1, 2018 at 4:49 pm
Catherine, but Hewitt’s confrontational in your face intensity was nothing we ever saw before, especially from traditional Aussie tennis. But if Hewitt played with a Gasquet level of intensity I am reasonably sure he would have won no majors and not cracked the top ten.
catherine · October 2, 2018 at 2:38 am
In a previous,and more inhibited era, Lew Hoad was known for his temperament. He certainly stood out from his contemporaries. Shame injuries cut his career short.
Dan Markowitz · October 2, 2018 at 2:46 am
Uh, Scoop, it’s not like Tomic took down five players in the Top 50 en route to winning this title.He beat one player in the top 50 (Sousa right at 50) and that player, Fognini has had a miserable summer/fall, losing to Millman at the Open and Klizan in his last tourney.
So I wouldn’t couch this as Tomic turning the corner so much because the dude is turning 26 this month and until this event, had not beaten a player in the Top 100 all year long (ouch!) and had won a total of 1 GS victory, on the grass at Wimbledon where Tomic’s flat shots are most effective. Tomic is a larger less mobile version of Stefan Kozlov. You can win playing their way–flat shots, no lethal forehand, questionable movement on the court–only if everything is clicking in their games.
I’m not bullish on either Tomic or Kozlov, but it’s still a nice win for Tomic at a weak event.
Scoop Malinowski · October 2, 2018 at 8:18 am
Injuries or injuries caused by overtraining and over playing like Kuerten, Rafter, etc.
Scoop Malinowski · October 2, 2018 at 8:23 am
Dan it’s a monumental win for Tomic and Fognini is a hot player this year, on the cusp of the top ten. Can’t discredit or downplay what Tomic did, this is the kind of breakout win that can springboard him back to the top 20 range. he’s playing top 15 tennis right now. Tomic finally has his drive and desire functioning properly. He will be a dangerous player. Tomic is the SMOOTHEST player in the game right now. Very special player.
Scoop Malinowski · October 2, 2018 at 8:58 am
Bad loss for Kozlov, new forehand, back from a two month hiatus but same bad result, losing to 500 ranked WC Lucas Gomez who has one career ATP match win. Beginning to wonder if he’s a mentally broken player. Can’t seem to hurt any players with his shots anymore. Was on the verge of top 100 a year and a half ago but lost to DY and then it’s been a free fall.
Hartt · October 2, 2018 at 9:05 am
Simona Halep announced she has a herniated disc. One has to think her season is over. I hope it is not super serious and that she will be OK for next season.
dan Markowitz · October 2, 2018 at 9:55 am
Tomic is a top 15 player because he beat Felix, Sousa, Klahn and Fogman in one event! Come on, Scoop. You’re better than that. Lets see Tomic get to the second week of a slam before we start anointing him top 15 after he dropped to what 200? Y’know, Spadea twice in his career, five years apart, was top 20 for like a week both times. He could never consolidate his Top 20 wins. You have to be playing top 20 or top 10 for like 6 months in my mind to really be a top 20 or top 10 player.
Haley might have trouble coming back from herniated disk. I have a few in my spine and they talk to you. Maybe it’s just rest and treatment, but I wouldn’t rush back from a herniated disk.
Scoop Malinowski · October 2, 2018 at 9:56 am
Tomic played top 15 tennis in the final to beat top 15 player Fognini. Four titles for Tomic, one for Vince. Different levels.
catherine · October 2, 2018 at 9:57 am
Hartt – yes, I think this has been a chronic problem and hasn’t been properly diagnosed till now. You wonder why. Let’s hope Simona does the right thing and follows Andy Murray in closing down her season.
Sabalenka woke Muguruza from her slumbers and won 7-5 6-4 in Beijing. I couldn’t watch live but sounds a terrific match.
Hartt · October 2, 2018 at 10:22 am
Scoop, if the net cord hadn’t come to Tomic’s rescue when Fognini had match point, Fabio would have won that tourney.
Scoop Malinowski · October 2, 2018 at 10:36 am
Hartt, if Tomic would have misjudged that netcord by a 1/2 a centimeter, yes Fognini would have won. But Tomic and his smooth strokes measured the shot perfectly.
catherine · October 2, 2018 at 11:34 am
Well – if ‘ifs’ and ‘ands’ were pots and pans…and I’m sure you know the rest 🙂
I watched a replay of Muguruza/Sabalenka and while it wasn’t an epic, few rallies and some erratic serving, there were plenty of examples on display of Aryna’s ballistic winners from impossible positions.
H · October 2, 2018 at 11:41 am
Scoop, did you see that point? The one I am talking about is when a Tomic shot hit the net cord and dribbled over the net. Fognini had no shot on it, and thus lost that MP.
Scoop Malinowski · October 2, 2018 at 11:59 am
Catherine, i also saw a drop shot winner by Sabalenka that fooled and froze Muguruza. Variety kills.
Scoop Malinowski · October 2, 2018 at 12:00 pm
Hartt, Yes I saw the highlights. I believe net cord winners are not lucky and they are not coincidences, they result from a perfectly measured, perfectly timed, perfectly struck ball 🙂
Dan Markowitz · October 2, 2018 at 12:46 pm
Compare Bernie to Vince at your own peril. Vince won 311 matches over his career. Bernie’s won only 178 and the way he’s going, winning 9 matches so far this year and 10 last year, he’s not going to catch Mr. Afraid Of Ya. He might not even catch him in Grand Slam wins: Vince 42, Bernie 40.
Scoop Malinowski · October 2, 2018 at 1:18 pm
Tomic is a far more troubled but a far superior player than Spadea. Four titles to one, and Tomic has another ten years to play, case closed.
Dan Markowitz · October 2, 2018 at 6:19 pm
Tomic–10 more years to play. He’ll be lucky if he plays another three. What’s happened to Kokkanaikis by the way? That guy seemed to have oodles of talent and now he can’t even get into a slam main draw. I know injuries, but it must be something else. Funny, after all these years of big Aussies, Rafter, Phillipoussis, Tomic, Kokkanaikis, Groth, Kyrgios and the big red head who’s name escapes me now, and now the big Aussies to follow are two small hares, De Minaur and Millman.
Hartt · October 3, 2018 at 8:55 am
Shapo just had a big win over Wawrinka. Stan had a straightforward first set, taking it in 38 minutes. But in the 2nd, Shapo was on fire, flying around the court. He made an unbelievable leaping smash, which the commie called “Air Shapovalov.” He took the set 6-1.
But Denis had a knee injury, had it taped, and was visibly limping at the beginning of the decider. He was even more aggressive than normal (if that is possible) trying to keep the points short. He started to play better as the set went on, but did so well to win the set.
The commies thought Stan looked flat in the last 2 sets, but it was fun watching Denis make those crazy shots in the 2nd set.
Scoop Malinowski · October 3, 2018 at 12:34 pm
This is a big big win for Shapovalov. Finally. Could be a springboard.
Hartt · October 3, 2018 at 12:46 pm
Scoop, you are so tough on Denis. Tom Tebbutt, on the Tennis Canada site, did a comparison of where Fed was at in his career at the same age as Denis is now. He wasn’t trying to say that Denis would have anything like the career that Roger has had, but was simply showing that Denis is doing pretty well for a player his age.
Scoop Malinowski · October 3, 2018 at 12:51 pm
Hartt, I saw major titles for Shapavlov last summer, thought he would have one by now. That is the ultimate compliment. With a more suitable coach, one that contended or won majors, I think Shap will have a better chance.
Hartt · October 3, 2018 at 3:00 pm
Scoop, you have been very consistent in your evaluation of Denis and in your contention that he needs a certain type of coach. I have been just as consistent in saying he is only 19, is doing just fine for his age, and the big titles will come. We aren’t about to agree.
But in the meantime, we can both enjoy his tennis, he is a fun player to watch. Even though I keep hoping he will rein in the aggression sometimes when he isn’t making his shots, at the same time I have to “ooh” along with others at some of the incredible shots he does make. Win or lose, Denis is never boring.
Hartt · October 3, 2018 at 5:12 pm
A piece on the ATP site talked about Shapo playing one of his idols, Wawrinka, for the first time. it is a reminder of how many new things Denis is experiencing in his first year on the main tour.
“With his best friend, Shapovalov watched Wawrinka win his three Grand Slam titles. The Swiss was the type of player Shapovalov wanted to be one day. And on Wednesday, the 19-year-old beat Wawrinka 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals in Tokyo.
“It didn’t even hit me until I walked on the court with him and he was on the other side and I couldn’t help but almost smile in a way. It kind of got to me, I got a little bit tight but I refocused and I thought to myself, ‘Okay it’s not Stan’,” Shapovalov said. “ It was great to be on the court with him. It’s a dream come true. But it’s one of those memories I’m never going to forget. It’s one of those ‘what you live for’ moments. It’s a great day today.”
Scoop Malinowski · October 3, 2018 at 8:33 pm
Hartt, I was told Osaka had the same issues about overhitting, she would hit out and smile about it. Just smile about it. She didn’t really care about missing, she was honing her game. Eventually she found her range and those shots began to stay in. Now she’s a US Open champion. Same thing will happen to Shapovalov, those big hits and big misses will eventually find the court and he will Osaka his way to his first major title.
Scoop Malinowski · October 3, 2018 at 8:43 pm
Hartt, Shapovalov is showing he’s a Giant Killer. He likes to play the legendary names more so than the lesser known guys of lesser accomplishments. And he produces his best tennis against the best. This is another very good sign.
catherine · October 4, 2018 at 4:11 am
Osaka sweeps past Julia G in Beijing SS – Julia served 1 ace – and then Angie loses to Zhang by the strange score of 1-6 6-2 0-6. Beijing virus strikes again ? It’s culled a few players I’ve heard.
Hartt · October 4, 2018 at 7:30 am
Was glad to hear that Osaka is playing well. It is frustrating not to be able to see her matches, I guess highlights will have to do.
It seems like Shapo enjoys testing himself against top players. He admires them, but is not afraid to take them on. That is indeed a good sign.
catherine · October 4, 2018 at 7:55 am
Hartt – I’ve been able to catch Youtube streaming from Beijing so I saw the matches this morning. The time is different in Toronto I suppose.
I’ve a feeling Naomi’s highlights will be quite short 🙂
catherine · October 4, 2018 at 8:12 am
Re OCC – Kerber won 2nd set 6-2, asked for Fisette and then lost the 3rd set 6-0 in 23 mins. What on earth did he tell her ? Whether to retire or not ?
Certainly Angie looked slow and out of sorts so maybe she should just go to Singapore for the shopping and then have a nice vacation. Tank’s run dry. Same for Kvitova, who seemed really exhausted in Beijing. Players forget they aren’t made of iron.
Let’s hope Naomi doesn’t overplay and also gets people to handle her publicity.
Scoop Malinowski · October 4, 2018 at 9:34 am
One of the endearing qualities of Osaka is that she is real, she actually thinks and gives you thoughtful answers, straight from her heart. I saw the interview she did with 360 about her friendship with Shuai Zhang. I hope she does not become a puppet who gives robotic answers. Like so many of the players do. Osaka is really a breath of fresh air. But when a players has to answer the same question ten times a week, they naturally shut down and just tune out the nonsense of it all.
catherine · October 4, 2018 at 11:15 am
I was watching Garcia/Sabalenka live when the stream broke down after the 2nd set. I didn’t miss much because Aryna ran away with the match 6-0. This was a good contest until then – Saba has a more varied game than Caroline and one which will develop I’m sure. Still inconsistent in serving – if she plays Osaka next then that will hurt her. She did look pretty tired at times which isn’t surprising considering the tournaments she’s played. So Osaka to win.
Aryna’s XC angled backhand is a wonder shot.
catherine · October 4, 2018 at 11:24 am
Sabalenka plays Wang. Funny how 2 matches today collapsed in the 3rd set to love. Maybe there’s something in those water bottles 🙂
Small but vociferous Belarus contingent.
Note Kyrgios goes out to Gasquet, SS.
Scoop Malinowski · October 4, 2018 at 12:55 pm
Kyrgios has chosen doubles journeyman James Cerretani as his new coach, James has won four doubles titles and is maybe best known for a Wimbledon QF and then the next year Sock abandoned him in dubs after losing in singles and so James lost all those QF points and had to play futures and challengers for years to get his ranking up into the top 100 again, this was 5 years ago. Curious choice by Nick. Cerretani played at Brown and was a long shot but he made it. I know his dad who said Bollettieri spotted James at a young age at a camp in Massachusetts and then followed his college career and let him train at IMG after college, where he won practice sets vs Martin Damm and Karlovic. So Cerretani is a grinder who persevered and became an ATP champ. maybe this is the type of inspiration Nick needs.
Hartt · October 4, 2018 at 12:57 pm
I saw a lot of the Kyrgios vs Gasquet match. Nick was erratic – hardly a surprise. But Richard played very well. He had at least 11 aces, made some terrific shots and was generally steady. He took full advantage whenever Nick made a poor shot.
Scoop Malinowski · October 4, 2018 at 1:02 pm
Sabalenka vs Osaka could turn into the top rivalry in the WTA.
Hartt · October 4, 2018 at 1:15 pm
Scoop, yes it does look like that will be a terrific rivalry.
I’ve decided to add Naomi to my treats list, something I rarely do because it means removing a current player. But Naomi, as well as being a wonderful tennis player, is such an appealing young woman. As you said, she thinks about her responses and tries to give honest answers. I hope she can continue to do that.
catherine · October 4, 2018 at 1:15 pm
Interesting about Nick’s new coach – how it affects Nick’s game. And he hasn’t chosen a high profile name either. Could become a trend ?
Don’t know if it’s been mentioned here before but Hopman Cup entries are out – Serena plays with Tiafoe, Aust team has Barty, Swiss as usual – Fed and Bencic, Germany Kerber and Zverev – can’t remember the rest. Don’t think Japan has entered 🙂
catherine · October 4, 2018 at 1:25 pm
Hartt – this is a cruel question, but whom have you removed from your treats list ?
Hopman Cup – no Japan isn’t entered, Matt Ebden is playing with Barty, Ferrer and Muguruza for Spain, Norrie and Boulter for GB. Also Greece and France.
Should be good.
Hartt · October 4, 2018 at 3:31 pm
Catherine, lol, I did wonder what your cruel question could be. I’ve removed the Canadian youngster Bianca Andreescu. I think she may have been injured because she hasn’t been playing much as far as I can tell. Anyway, Bianca is very talented and is a good competitor, so I still think she will do well in her career. But it is hard to root for her when she isn’t playing.
Today I finally had a chance to get some lovely cake from a European deli to celebrate Thiem’s win. But unless Shapo or Tsitsipas come through, this week is not looking promising, with Sascha out. 🙁
Scoop Malinowski · October 4, 2018 at 4:01 pm
Hartt, how can you give up on Andreescu already? She is still a teenager. Shocking to hear you have hopped off the Andreescu bandwagon. 🙂
Hartt · October 4, 2018 at 6:17 pm
Lol, Scoop, I haven’t given up on Bianca. It’s just that there is not a lot of point in having her a treats eligible player when she isn’t playing much. As you said, she is young, just 18 in fact, so I’m expecting some big things from her in the future. However, I have to have some hope of a treat with these players! 🙂
Hartt · October 5, 2018 at 8:02 am
Shapo pulled a rabbit out of the hat yet again. I stayed up until some unearthly hour watching his match against Struff. There was no danger of falling asleep during that match.
I was sure that Shapo would lose the 2nd set, and thus the match, but somehow he pulled through. Then he stood a good chance of taking the match – his record in deciders was 18-7. Now it is 19-7. It seems like it can take a while for Denis to find his groove in a match, but once he does, he is very tough. Once again, he played the big points well, generally stayed cool under the pressure of playing them, even if he complained to his team between games.
I continued to stay up in the middle of the night to watch Milos vs Medvedev. Daniil played well, served exceptionally well, and Milos had far too many UFEs. So Denis will face Daniil next. That could be a terrific match between 2 young players.
Scoop Malinowski · October 5, 2018 at 8:27 am
Hope Andreescu doesn’t just disappear like Bellis, Daja Bedanova, Agnes Savay, Bencic, Robson, Sam Crawford, Vicky Duval, Taylor Townsend, Louisa Chirico, etc, after showing early promise.
catherine · October 5, 2018 at 8:32 am
I was able to watch Osaka/Zhang at a more civilised hour this morning – 3 sets and Naomi squeaked through 7-5 in 3rd. A good tough match for her. I’m about to watch Sabalenka in around half an hour.
Noticed Denis’ and Milos’ matches – 1 win 1 loss for Canada 🙂 I’ll look out for Shapo’s match if it’s on this pm.
catherine · October 5, 2018 at 8:39 am
As I’ve said before Scoop – ‘many are called but few are chosen’.
Happens in all sports I suppose but particularly noticeable in tennis. One thing different now is that players carry on in small tournaments whereas 30 years ago they would have just retired.
This might change next year, according to the ITF. Fewer pro players.