Factor making Bernard Tomic wary of Australian Open return as he prepares for qualification
At the age of 32, Bernard Tomic is attempting a comeback at this year's Australian Open main draw for the first time in three years.
Tomic briefly broke back into the top 200 in the world in October and is currently ranked 214, which means he will be able to compete in the qualifying phase of the tournament.
However, The Sydney Morning Herald reports the former world No.17 and 2011 Wimbledon quarter-finalist has feelings of trepidation because of the hostile reception he may receive.
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Tomic reportedly considered not competing because of the way he may be treated by the crowd.
If he can qualify for the Australian Open it would be a mighty effort after his ranking plummeted to as low as 825 in the world during the 2022 season.
He's played for minimal prize money on the Futures tour in the past three years before being elevated to the ATP Challenger circuit in 2024.
Tomic's most-recent grand slam appearance was a 6-1, 6-4 defeat to Russia's Roman Safiullin in the first round of Australian Open qualifying in 2022.
A year earlier he qualified at Melbourne Park and reached the second round before losing to Canadian Denis Shapovalov in straight sets.
"I think it's probably been a little bit of a tougher upbringing for Bernie than what I had it," retired Australian Davis Cup representative John Millman told SMH.
Bernard Tomic serves during a practice session ahead of the 2022 Australian Open. Kelly Defina via Getty Images
"I was in maybe a slightly more supportive environment growing up, so I think at times, he's had to do it pretty tough – and he's managed to come out the other side of that. I've got a lot of time for Bernie, and I think that he made it very young, too.
"I'm not comparing Lleyton and Bernie here whatsoever, but I also remember when people maybe harshly judged Lleyton when he cracked onto the scene.
"You've got to remember, he was doing that at 18, 19. I was a lot different at 18 and 19 [than I am now]. I was a very different person, you mature – and I think Bernie has matured, too."
Nick Kyrgios will also make his comeback at Melbourne Park with the report stating the 29-year-old was set to use his protected ranking, which injured players can apply for when they miss an extended period, rather than receive a wildcard.
