Aussie star Bernard Tomic gets his campaign underway against Fernando Verdasco in the pick of Monday's matches at the Australian Open.
Media and public expectations for 19 year old Tomic are growing rapidly, especially after his performances at the Kooyong Classic last week where he defeated Tomas Berdych, Gael Monfils and Mardy Fish, all in three sets, to win the title.
"To have those matches under my belt, to win them all is great. I know I played them all in three sets. It’s better to win in three. I played long matches, longer hours,” Tomic enthused. “Confidence is the key, especially before a major. I think I've got a lot of confidence now. (I) played well up in Brisbane and Kooyong. To be in the form, the right practice mode I’ve been in the last few months is a good feeling, it's paid off and you're right to go for a slam.”
Hopes are high for Tomic over the next fortnight but he'll have to be at his best to get past former semi-finalist Verdasco on day one. However the 19 year old is fancying his chances in his current form.
“To play him during the day, where it's a little bit quicker, and a little bit more air can get in, I think it's better for me,” he said. “He beat me once in Brisbane I think when I was 16 up there. That was when he was on his run, playing well. I think the last six months he hasn't really done much. I think it's a good time to play him.”
Bernard Tomic v Fernando Verdasco - Australian Open Match Highlights:
