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Tomic Looks Ready To Conquer Federer
10 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
Bernard Tomic has established himself at this Australian Open as the standout young prospect in tennis, separating himself from Dimitrov and Harrison (Raonic is a couple of years older than BT).
His five set wins over Fernando Verdasco and Alexander Dolgopolov were nothing short of sensational. Tomic uses a unique style which is bolstered by intelligence, variety, defense, offense, whatever it takes. Darren Cahill says Tomic has his own way of playing the game and also an independent view of how it should be played. Obviously this young fella has a strong mind, and a strong will to win, those are rare qualities for such a young player.
There are many attributes that have impressed. I have not seen even a hint of self-doubt in his demeanor this tournament, though he has been in peril several times. His expression is always the same, “I am going to win this match no matter what.” It’s appealing how his confidence is not arrogant or offensive in any way, very professional and dedicated, though there were some instances of unruly conduct during his teen years. But hasn’t that been the case with so many tennis prodigies (Borg, Federer, Agassi)?
Last year Tomic showed signs of his potential in taking the first set off Djokovic at the Wimbledon quarterfinal and a set off Federer in the Davis Cup tie in Australia. Those were spectacular accomplishments and now it looks like young Tomic is ready to take the next step.
Awaiting Tomic in the fourth round will be none other than Roger Federer. The former ATP #1 has looked strong so far in Melbourne but he was somewhat lucky to escape Karlovic in three sets in the third round. Dr. Ivo had a set point on his serve but Federer made an amazing lob to save the set. The second set was also very close but Federer was able to prevail at the end. I think Tomic is a far more complicated test Federer right now, in so many ways. I think he will be able to match up with Federer from the baseline. Tomic knows what to expect from Federer, after playing four sets with him last September, and surely this intelligent lad will have gained enormously from that experience.
I’m picking Tomic to upset Federer, how about you?
Is this Tomic's Australian Open?
10 comments
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Steve · January 20, 2012 at 4:10 pm
You thought that was sensational? It was a slice fest which was cute for the first 45 slices but then it was clear Dolgo couldn’t push off for big flat backhands. Tomic played well but his forehand is odd looking. I watched a set and a tie break and a 1/2 so maybe I missed something.
What weapon of his do you believe will hurt Federer?
Fed just handled the biggest server in the game(or one of) in the three straight.
Mitch · January 20, 2012 at 4:30 pm
I don’t think Tomic will frustrate Fed the way he does other players. His fitness has been impressive thus far, but I’m also concerned that he might not have the physical and mental reserves left to beat Roger in a best of five.
Scoop Malinowski · January 20, 2012 at 5:07 pm
I enjoy that style of tennis as it’s how I try to play. Tomic can outplay Federer tomorrow, he did at times in their last match in Davis Cup taking a set, Tomic is obviously an improved and smarter player now than he was six months ago, let’s see, it might be good enough to get the job done here, to cause one of the biggest Federer upsets in a major in many many years, well at least since Tsonga at Wimbledon from two sets up. Federer is going to be very hard to beat but Tomic is looking up to the daunting task, IMO.
Dan markowitz · January 20, 2012 at 5:08 pm
I didn’t see the whole match, but Tomic looked solid but not sensational. I like Raonic game more when I saw him play in Memphis last year. He has a bigger serve and better hands. I think Fed will beat Tomic in straight sets.
Which match intrigues Tennis-Prose.com fans more? Tomic-Fed or the potential Raonic-Djoko match?
Scoop Malinowski · January 20, 2012 at 5:09 pm
Whoever wins, it will be a battle. Can’t see this thing being a 76 64 62 routine job by Fed. Tomic is going to be there tooth and nail till the end, I see a classic coming, and the breakout emergence of the new star of the sport.
Steve · January 20, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Neither interests me. Janko/Gasquet interests me.
Will be fun if Hewitt sends the young Canadian packing.
Michael · January 20, 2012 at 10:56 pm
I’m thinking of this match I was at in 2002, R4 at the USO where Roddick beat Chela. Chela wasn’t ranked 13 but he was a solid mid-twenties player with a lot more experience than Roddick. It was a very good win. (Roddick was still in that jumping bean stage after winning points that some young players (e.g., Harrison) mistake for a positive.)
Roddick was next to play the old man Sampras (“he’s lost a step or two” — a bitter Greg Rusedski after losing to Pete in five in the third round). Sampras if I recall correctly hadn’t done much in the past year or two. Roddick was being hugely hyped after the Chela match. A lot of people thought Roddick would take down Pete.
Pete schooled Roddick. It was a good loss. A loss to learn from. Obviously he did given the results a mere year later.
Roger will school Tomic.
@Dan “I like Raonic game more when I saw him play in Memphis last year. He has a bigger serve and better hands.”
The serve is bigger now but I think Tomic has a lot of potential to improve his. Tomic has better hands/feel to me. Raonic’s movement is even worse than Tomic. In fact, it stinks if you are talking about winning Majors and making it to number 1.
Jayita A Belcourt · January 21, 2012 at 2:20 am
I think Tomic is as ready as ever to take on Federer. In my opinion, his confidence, composure on court, consistency and his tactical play are at the highest level we have seen from the youngster. His unforced errors are also down in comparison to prior years. He comes into the game with some great wins under his belt – Dolgopolov, Fish, Monfils, Berdych and Verdasco.
As for whether or not he can outclass the former #1 and 16 time grand slam winner, that’s another question.. Roger Federer is in fine former. Roger is serving, slicing and hitting well. Roger’s footwork is impeccable and his movement on the court is superb. Roger is coming into the match with fresh “30 year old†legs. His last few matches have been fairly cruisy and he comes into the match injury-free. After his win against Karlovic yesterday, Roger confirmed that he is feeling good, stating “overall I feel good, you know. It’s been a good match for me and a good last week or so. No back issues at all today. So it was a good day at the office.â€
I think Roger just might have the upper hand. Either way, I think it’s going to be a great match and I Tomic is going to put up a classy fight! I know all of Australia will be cheering…
Andrew Miller · January 21, 2012 at 5:29 am
In contrast to other players, Federer likes nothing better than to beat a player twice in a row.
Michael · January 22, 2012 at 9:56 am
@ michael “Roger will school Tomic.”
School just let out.. Tomic won one game less than Roddick when Pete gave Roddick his lesson.
It’s not a set back either. It’s part of the process.