In a candid revelation, once-prominent Australian tennis player Bernard Tomic has shed light on the mental health battles that contributed to a decline in his passion for the sport and a significant drop in rankings. The former junior world No. 1, who was previously ranked as high as No.17 globally, recently missed the Australian Open for the first time since 2008 after being denied a wildcard entry for the past two years.
Tomic highlighted the demanding nature of professional tennis, emphasizing its solitary aspect compared to team sports like soccer or basketball. Speaking to Sportskeeda, he acknowledged the mental toll of constant travel and solitude, stating, “The sport can really drain you. You need to figure out what’s best for you mentally and always find a way to be positive and move forward. In tennis, you need to be mentally in a good state.”
Having faced a challenging period where he struggled both mentally and physically, Tomic expressed optimism about his recent progress. Despite facing a drop to the 800s in the rankings in September 2022, he revealed a gradual climb back and a recent victory at the ITF M25 Chennai tournament in India. Tomic remains determined to make a comeback to the top 50, emphasizing the need to stay healthy and focused.
Acknowledging the financial realities of his recent win, where he earned $5400, Tomic’s earnings barely covered his travel and accommodation costs. In contrast, had he participated in the Australian Open, a first-round defeat in men’s singles would have secured him $120,000. Despite the financial challenges and strained relations with Tennis Australia, Tomic remains resilient, aiming to prove his worth through his on-court performance.
Australian Open boss Craig Tiley addressed Tomic’s absence from the wildcard selection, stating that decisions are based on a player’s form, age, and deserving opportunity. Tomic, in reflection, admitted to shortcomings in his professionalism during his early twenties but remains focused on making the right choices for his career moving forward.
As Tomic strives for a tennis resurgence, the coming year holds promises of an intriguing journey, provided he stays healthy and maintains his dedication to the sport.