Bernard Tomic still has drive to compete, saying ‘I don’t need to play tennis again, I’ve got enough money’

Bernard Tomic insists he still has the determination to play tennis at the highest level, saying he “risked his life” by going to Doha to qualify for the Australian Open.
Having missed out on a spot at his home Grand Slam in 2020, Tomic will return to the main draw in February after coming through three qualifying rounds.
And the 28-year-old did it the hard way as he won all three his matches in three sets with his 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (10-7) victory over fellow Australian John-Patrick Smith sealing the deal.
Notable Australian Open qualifiers: From Tsvetana Pironkova and Francesca Jones to Bernard Tomic
The enfant terrible has had a love-hate relationship with tennis as he has been accused of tanking in the past while after failing to qualify for the 2018 Australian Open he told reporters “I just count money, that’s all I do. I count my millions”.
When asked by AAP about his tennis ambition after his latest win, replied: “I am in Doha, I risked my life flying here, my health, Covid’s around, many sick, with many things that can go wrong. I’m risking my life, and I’m playing and competing. Of course, I want to get there.
“Otherwise I’d be hanging my rackets up. I don’t need to play tennis again, I’ve got enough money – so why are you asking me that question? Don’t ask questions like that.”
Tomic will be playing in the main draw of a Grand Slam for the first time since Wimbledon 2019 while in 2020 he won just one official ATP match.
Despite his struggles on and off the court over the recent years, the Australian insists the press hasn’t been “fair” towards him.
“You’re the people who write the bad stuff about me. I’ve qualified for a Slam – what should you be writing?” he asked.
“I don’t think you guys have been fair towards me in the last half-decade, [or] decade. You can spin it whatever way you want, but don’t escape the fact I’ve qualified for a slam.
“If you like me and you’re a fan of me, write nice.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
News
Francisco Cerundolo eyeing remarkable family first ahead of Argentina Open final
Cerundolo is looking to emulate his younger brother Juan Manuel by winning his first ATP title.
-
WTA Tour
Classy Petra Kvitova in dominant form as she eases to Qatar Open title
Petra Kvitova stormed to her 28th career title and second at the Qatar Open win with a 6-2, 6-1 rout of Garbine Muguruza in Doha.
-
ATP Tour
WATCH: Roger Federer practices in Doha as he learns his fate in the draw
Roger Federer could face a clash against Britain’s Dan Evans in the first match of his comeback event in Doha.
-
ATP Tour
Andrey Rublev’s stunning run of form continues as beats Stefanos Tsitsipas
Andrey Rublev stirmed into his fourth straight ATP 500 final with a 6-3, 7-6(2) victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas in Rotterdam.
-
ATP Tour
Roger Federer sends fans crazy with a social media post ahead of his return to action
The moment Roger Federer fans have waited almost a years to see is nearly here as he prepares to return to action next week.
-
WTA Tour
Garbine Muguruza into the final in Qatar after Victoria Azarenka pulls out
Victoria Azarenka withdrew ahead of the Qatar Total Open semi-finals to send Garbine Muguruza.
-
ATP Tour
Stefanos Tsitsipas sets up showdown with Andrey Rublev in Rotterdam
Stefanos Tsitsipas is into the semi-finals of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.
-
News
Lawn Tennis Association determined to show commitment to inclusion and diversity
Seven people from diverse backgrounds have been appointed to the LTA Council.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray’s tips on how to make sure you stay injury-free when tennis resumes after lockdown
Andy Murray is back with some tips.
-
Tennis Fun
WATCH: Kei Nishikori reveals he wanted to be a penguin when he was young
Kei Nishikori with some quality content.