You are 19 years of age and down 2 sets in a match against a seeded player in front of your home crowd. What would you do? Obviously majority will give up hope and sometimes even break a racquet or two. Even curse yourself or shout after the points.
But then Tomic does not come in majority and plays at a level with a maturity of a veteran. What an incredible display of tennis displayed by this immensely talented Australian No.1. When even the media and tennis analysts had lost hope, everyone was criticizing this youngster for his lack of energetic body language; he came back and won a tough 5 setter from Fernando Verdasco 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, 7-5.
Here are the game stats:
Match Statistics* | ||
Tomic (AUS) | Verdasco (ESP) | |
1st Serve % | 61% | 60% |
Aces | 7 | 15 |
Double Faults | 3 | 11 |
Unforced Errors | 60 | 83 |
Winning % on 1st Serve | 70% | 66% |
Winning % on 2nd Serve | 53% | 49% |
Winners | 44 | 57 |
Receiving Points Won | 40% | 36% |
Break Point Conversions | 33% | 31% |
Net Approaches | 74% | 64% |
Total Points Won | 181 | 168 |
*Courtesy Australian Open Match Statistics
Clearly if you look at the statistics, Verdasco made 23 unforced errors more than Tomic did. But the statistics here does not tell the full story about this youngster from Gold Coast. What was more impressive than his physical strength was his mental strength. The kind of composure you expect from the players of the caliber of the likes of Federer/Nadal was at a display here in front of a packed audience at Rod Laver Arena.
Never did Tomic once lose his temper in the match whether it was a break point, a set point or a match point which is such a huge contrast from the current crop of upcoming players. He has never lost a first round match here in Australian Open till date (4-0). What was even more fascinating to watch was the consistency and variety in his game.
Trust me, if you missed this match, catch hold of the highlights and watch them. You will be mesmerized with Tomic’s game. Drop shot, volley, single handed sliced backhand, double handed backhand, sliced forehand and what not- this kid has a complete game and he promises to be the upcoming superstar of the tennis.
If you have the game and composure to carry yourself, you can be a genius on court. No tantrums, he is like watching young Federer playing against the top rivals. Whoever criticized his father John for his protective attitude towards his son, its time to take your words back as he has honed his son pretty well into the future gem of tennis.
What I have learnt after watching today’s match was: Keep your calm in any situation and play with a positive attitude- you will reach your destination!
Keep a lookout for this kid as he has the potential to be World No.1 in future!
If you have any questions- You can mail me at apekshaha@gmail.com,