Venus Williams had listed Bernard Tomic as one in every of her favorite gamers proper now, despite the fact that the 30-year-old is languishing on the ITF circuit.
At the moment World No. 435, Tomic was not given a approach into the Australian Open regardless of being larger ranked than a few of the gamers who got qualifying wildcards.
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As a substitute he went to Qatar, the place he misplaced within the closing in a single match, pulled out within the semi-finals of the second, and retired within the second spherical of a match in Kuwait after claiming a 6-0 6-0 win within the first spherical.
Though he’s no languishing a great distance from the limelight, followers eyebrows had been raised when it was noticed in Venus Williams’ bio that Tomic was one in every of her “favorite gamers now.
Williams’ bio lists legend Pete Sampras, Boris Becker and Monica Seles as her favorite gamers rising up, whereas her favorite gamers proper now are Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Gael Monfils and Tomic.
Contemplating Serena and Federer are retired, Nadal and Monfils are injured and Tomic is languishing within the 400s factors to the entry being written a while in the past however Tomic was honoured be within the record.
“Such an honour @venuswilliams thanks,” he posted on Instagram on Tuesday morning.
The controversial 30-year-old Queenslander’s rating dropped to world No. 825 in August final 12 months however he has rebounded considerably, transferring to No. 435 after three Futures match wins and a closing to finish final season and the ultimate in Qatar to begin this 12 months.
And followers had been perplexed Tomic remained within the bio.
“Bernard Tomic??? That’s sudden,” one social media consumer wrote.
One other stated: “How a few Venus x Tomic blended doubles on the subsequent Wimbledon or AusOpen?”
Tomic, who reportedly didn’t apply for a wildcard however might nonetheless have been awarded one, informed First Serve he would use the snub as motivation.
“I’m not anticipating any favours. I’m going to show my level and earn my approach,” Tomic stated on his solution to Doha.
“I perceive Tennis Australia has made their determination. It’s good to see the younger tennis gamers getting a possibility. I’m at a spot in my life the place I don’t complain anymore. I’m centered and I’ve been coaching arduous. I’ll let my tennis do the speaking. Final quarter of 2022, I gained three tournaments and made 4 finals.
“This 12 months is my 12 months, if nobody goes to assist assist me, I’ll get again to prime 100 by myself. My headspace may be very completely different. I’m in a optimistic setting, good individuals round me, I’m in a wholesome, joyful relationship. Now all there’s to do, is get again to the place I belong.”
Final season he stated he’d “win Wimbledon” earlier than the top of his profession regardless of having misplaced in straight units in qualifying to then-World No. 146 Roman Safiullin 6-1 6-4.
Days later he revealed he had contracted Covid.
He was then principally recognized for his ongoing social media feud with Nick Kyrgios — who made the Wimbledon closing and had the season of his life in 2022.
