'Absolutely no motivation': Bernard Tomic's worrying admission as Roland-Garros hopes flame out
Updated . First published at
Bernard Tomic declared he had "no motivation" before the enigmatic Australian bowed out of qualifying at Roland-Garros.
The 33-year-old had raised hopes of a late career resurgence after breaking back into the world's top 200 players and upsetting seeded Tunisian Moez Echargui in the first round of qualifying for the French Open.
But Tomic was no match for talented Italian teen Federico Cina, who cruised to a 6-2, 6-4 win.
Watch all the action from Roland-Garros 2026 live and on demand on Stan Sport, with centre court in 4K UHD. World class coverage also on 9Gem and streaming on 9Now
Bernard Tomic in Paris. Twitter
"I have absolutely no motivation to be on court today," Tomic said late in the first set, before losing the next three points.
Tomic is a former world No.17 and four-time ATP champion who has not played in the main draw of a grand slam since the 2021 Australian Open.
"I couldn't be happier to get this win. It was really tough today," Cina said.
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"I started the match very focused and managed to keep that to the end, which was very important. It's the first time at this stage here, so I'm very happy. I have to try to stay calm."
Tomic recently became a father to daughter Astara Aurelia with partner Keely Hannah.
His setback in Paris was not unexpected. Clay has never been his strong suit and he will now turn his attention to trying to qualify for the green grass of Wimbledon.
Bernard Tomic wipes his brow in his 2015 match against Novak Djokovic. Getty
There are 11 Australian players already confirmed in the main draw for Roland-Garros, which starts on Sunday, live on Stan Sport and 9Gem.
Thanasi Kokkinakis, sidelined for the last three months, is using a protected ranking of 84th to enter.
Alex de Minaur, Australia's leading player and a 2024 quarter-finalist in Paris, will lead the men's charge along with Alexei Popyrin, James Duckworth, Aleksandar Vukic and Rinky Hijikata.
Ajla Tomljanovic at the French Open at Roland Garros. Getty
On the women's side, five Australians are locked in, with Maya Joint the highest ranked.
Ranked 34th, Joint has not played since Indian Wells after suffering a back injury which forced her withdrawal from the Billie Jean King Cup tie against Great Britain.
She is joined by Talia Gibson, Daria Kasatkina, Kimberly Birrell and Ajla Tomljanovic.
Carlos Alcaraz, who is injured and won't defend his crown, and Coco Gauff were the 2025 champions.
For all the Roland-Garros headlines, talking points and highlights, Grand Slam Daily will be streaming every day on Stan Sport from 11am AEST.
The show will be hosted by Chris Stubbs, who will be joined in Paris by Daniela Hantuchova, Barbara Schett, Mark Woodforde and Mark Petchey, as they talk to some of the biggest names in world tennis.
