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Bernard Tomic in first tennis final since 2018 Chengdu Open, loses to rising US pro Learner Tien

Resurgent tennis pro Bernard Tomic has slumped to a fast loss in his first significant final in years - but is being credited with a “fantastic week” as his career rebuild continues. FULL STORY

UPDATE: Bernard Tomic has slumped to a quick 6-0 6-1 loss in 39 minutes in his first significant pro tennis tournament final in six years - but all is not lost, according to a commentator.

Rising American Learner Tien disposed of the former world number 17 in quick fashion at the Fairfield Challenger final in the US as he rises towards the top 100.

Tomic admitted after he didn’t have “the legs” to keep up with Tien, 18, after Tomic’s stirring run to the final which included three three-set battles and two match point saves in his quarter final.

The match commentator concluded after the final: “A - Learner is that good. But B, that is what happenes at the end of a (tournament) week when somebody who is a veteran who has put in that much effort during the week - that next leve of keeping up with someone of Learner Tien’s calibre.

Bernard Tomic (centre, left) and champion Learner Tien after their Fairfield challenger final won by Tien 6-0 6-1.
Bernard Tomic (centre, left) and champion Learner Tien after their Fairfield challenger final won by Tien 6-0 6-1.

“That will be the question for Bernie moving forwward - but he has had a fantastic week, it’s his first final in six years.”

After the match, Tomic - who moves up to 207 in the world - said: “Once I lost the first two or three games, it was tough mentally staying on track.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t keep up with my legs.”

He said however it was his “first final in ages” and he “had to respect this moment”, adding Tien had a “bright future and I believe you can do wonderful things in tennis”.

EARLIER: A resurgent Bernard Tomic has made his biggest tennis pro tour final in six years, prompting a commentator to remark “Bernie’s back”.

The Gold Coast former world number 17 has advanced to the title match of the Fairfield Challenger in the United States, already earning a rankings lift to 207, his highest in years.

Tomic, 31, downed fellow Australian Tristan Schoolkate - 169 in the world - 6-3 6-3 in their semi, prompting the commentator to say: “In 2024, our lord and saviour Bernard Tomic is back in a final. I never would have thought it but here we are - Bernie’s back.”

Serving for it at 5-3 in the second set, the commentator noted: “Tomic has been in a slew of quarter finals for a year and a half on the Challenger tour, now he’s a game away from a final.”

Gold Coast tennis star Bernard Tomic on his way to beating fellow Australian Tristan Schoolkate at the Fairfield Challenger semi-final in the US on October 13, 2024. Picture: Challenger TV
Gold Coast tennis star Bernard Tomic on his way to beating fellow Australian Tristan Schoolkate at the Fairfield Challenger semi-final in the US on October 13, 2024. Picture: Challenger TV

Just over two years ago his career looked dead and buried with his ranking falling to the lowly 800s when he revealed to the Bulletin he aimed to give tennis one last shot, believing he could return to the top 100 and have a decent final few years.

He said at the time he missed the feeling of being near the top: “I’ve got one more chance at this. I’ll try and do it for myself.”

If he wins the Monday final, his ranking will likely jump inside the top 200 and put him in contention for qualifying at the Australian Open in January.

His Fairfield run included a fighting quarter-final where he saved two match points to win 7-6 1-6 7-6 over world number 249 Alexis Galarneau. His last significant tour title was an ATP 250 event, the 2018 Chengdu Open when he beat Italian star Fabio Fognini.

Tomic at age 18 became the youngest quarter-finalist at Wimbledon since two-time winner Boris Becker. He took a break from the sport in his late 20s citing mental fatigue.

Gold Coast tennis star Bernard Tomic is into his first significant pro tennis final in six years - he plays the Fairfield Challenger final, with an anticipated rankings boost inside the top 200. A commentator announced: “I never would have thought it - but Bernie’s back.” Picture: Challenger TV
Gold Coast tennis star Bernard Tomic is into his first significant pro tennis final in six years - he plays the Fairfield Challenger final, with an anticipated rankings boost inside the top 200. A commentator announced: “I never would have thought it - but Bernie’s back.” Picture: Challenger TV

ryan.keen@news.com.au

Originally published as Bernard Tomic in first tennis final since 2018 Chengdu Open, loses to rising US pro Learner Tien

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/gold-coast/bernard-tomic-makes-first-decent-tennis-final-since-2018-chengdu-open-beating-tristan-schoolkate/news-story/fb72e7768899033043b0cc3a628ca2e7