Athlete Q&A
How did your tennis career begin?
When I was seven I bought a cheap tennis racquet at an op shop. I then started playing on a local tennis court. I immediately became hooked and started playing at my local tennis club on the Gold Coast.
In 2009 you were the youngest player to win a match at the Australian Open. What goes through your mind when you achieve at that level?
Mostly it was a huge sense of relief to discover at the highest level you can do really well. I realised that all the training and tournaments and everything I did when I was young and trying to become a tennis player was worth it.
How do the different tennis court surfaces around the world impact your game?
My favourite surface is grass I love playing on it and it really matches the style of tennis I play. I try to keep my style of play consistent but obviously I have to change aspects according to the surface.
Where has been your favourite place to play in the world, and why?
I have to say Wimbledon because in 2011 I did really well in making the quarter finals and also because it is played on grass, which is my favourite surface. I also love playing in Melbourne because of the fans and the support I get.
What attributes separate a good tennis player from a great tennis player?
In my experience, a great tennis player’s concentration levels are incredible. They can change the course of games with their intensity.
How are you preparing mentally for the Olympic challenge?
I am working on improving my game month by month in the lead up to Wimbledon. It’s great to be able to play Wimbledon and then a few weeks later play at the same venue on the same surface at the Olympics.
What are you passionate about apart from tennis?
I love sport and my favourite other sports are soccer and basketball. I also love playing golf as it’s a great way to spend time with friends.
Are there any places in London you’re especially looking forward to visiting?
Because I’m still young I haven’t seen much of London. I really look forward to getting some time off and just walking around the city because there is so much to see and so much history.
You travel the world for your sport. What’s the best hotel you’ve ever stayed in while overseas?
The Esmeralda Hotel in Indian Wells. The rooms are huge and it’s got the best swimming pool I’ve ever seen.
What’s your favourite restaurant at home on the Gold Coast?
Moo Moo Steak Restaurant in Broadbeach.
About Tomic
Bernard Tomic is currently the highest ranked Australian male tennis player, with a world ranking of 36. At age 19, Tomic is also the youngest male tennis player in the Top 100. The highlight of Tomic’s career thus far has been a Quarter Final appearance at the 2011 Wimbledon Championships, where he lost in 4 sets to the eventual tournament winner, Novak Djokovic.