1/5/09 4:01 AM | Cheryl Murray
Australian Open junior champion Bernard Tomic will get a chance to prove his mettle in front of his countrymen on Monday against number three seed Fernando Verdasco.
Bernard Tomic has captured the attention of a nation with his success in the juniors. The promising young Aussie will take on Fernando Verdasco of Spain in the newly christened Pat Rafter arena. Tomic has already gained some notoriety in the Australian press. The 16-year-old was removed from a tournament in Perth by his father John Tomic amid accusations of inept officiating. He later apologized for his actions.
Unfortunately for Tomic, he drew Verdasco as his first-round opponent. Verdasco ended his 2008 season with a heady victory for Spain in the Davis Cup final against Argentina. Like most Spaniards, Verdasco is generally considered a clay-court player, but in 2008 he had good results on hard courts, clay, and grass.
Tomic is still, for the most part, inexperienced in ATP level matches. He won a round of qualifying at the Australian Open last year, but spent the majority of 2008 playing on the Futures tour. Monday’s match against Verdasco will likely serve as good experience for the youngster. Expect Verdasco to cruise through the match easily.
Tell a friend »
nirv02, Jul 4, 2009 12:42 AM
nirv02, Jul 4, 2009 12:37 AM
sky, Jul 4, 2009 12:15 AM
agf25agf, Jul 3, 2009 11:10 PM
Recordbreaks, Jul 3, 2009 10:34 PM
zoey234, Jul 3, 2009 8:29 PM
carrie, Jul 3, 2009 11:09 AM
tomnjerry2, Jun 21, 2009 3:37 PM