Bernard Tomic tests positive to after mid-match Covid claim in qualifying match

Bernard Tomic turned heads with a mid-match Covid-19 claim, and he has been proven right. And his diagnosis could have a domino effect.

Bernard Tomic in action at Melbourne Park

Bernard Tomic has been vindicated.

After claiming mid way through qualifying match that he was going to test positive for Covid, the Australian has announced he’s contracted the virus.

“I still feel pretty sick,” Tomic told Fairfax after receiving the positive result. “I feel worse mentally than physically because I really was motivated to make a comeback and show the Australian public that I can be the tennis player they expect me to be. I’m disappointed this virus stopped me from doing that.

“I know it might not seem like it but this is the start of my return. Due to the illness, I just couldn’t fire on all cylinders. As much as I tried, I didn’t have the energy to fight. I’m going to do everything it takes to get back to the top. I really appreciate everyone’s support.”

The fact Tomic was at Melbourne Park could force all players to be tested.

Tomic fist-bumped his opponent, Russian world No.146 Roman Safiullin, after his defeat.

It remains to be seen whether he has undergone a PCR test as a result or shown Covid symptoms.

It comes after the contoversial Aussie tennis player Bernard Tomic said he is “feeling really sick” and has been told to isolate by doctors after his explosive mid-match claim that he has Covid.

Tomic took to Instagram following his Australian Open qualifying first-round loss against Russian world No.146 Roman Safiullin, sharing his condition with his 15,200 followers along with his disappointment about the result.

He also complained during the match that players aren’t doing sufficient testing ahead of the Australian Open.

Bernard Tomic's Instagram story after his mid-match outburst (1/2). Picture: Instagram

(2/2). Picture: Instagram

Video: Absolutely insane pic.twitter.com/77AzJ2BqQE

— PCB Enthusiast (@PCBFan1) January 11, 2022

“Feeling really sick, I’m now back in my hotel room,” Tomic said on Instagram.

“Just spoke to the doctors on site and they’ve asked me to isolate, they couldn’t treat me yet to avoid contact.

“Thank you for all the support on the court today. I really appreciate it! I’ll do better next time. Very disappointed as I really wanted to make Aussies proud and perform well on my home turf.”

Tomic was bundled out of qualifying in less than an hour and refused to front the media post-match, only backing up his mid-match claim via social media.

The 29-year-old Tomic, who has made bold claims about his return to the top of the tennis tree this summer, limped through the 23-minute first set, before making the Covid claims early in the second.

Down 2-1, Tomic turned to the chair umpire at the change of ends.

“I’m sure in the next two days I’ll test positive, I’m telling you,” Tomic said.

“I’ll buy you dinner if I don’t test positive in three days, otherwise you buy me dinner (to the umpire). I cannot believe nobody is getting tested (...), no official PCR testing.

“They are allowing players to come on the court without (PCR) testing.”

Tomic was also see checking his own pulse while preparing for the second half of the contest.

He went on to lose the match 6-1, 6-4 with his Australian Open campaign lasting less than an hour.

It comes weeks after he declared he was back and ready for a huge summer.

“I’ve had a lot of hate in my life. But I can’t give up. You don’t think I see the hate comments? It hurts,” he said.

“In the past I used to let it get to me and react out of stupidity. But now I’m using it as fuel.

“I’m back. I am... I’m hungry, and I’m ready. No one can stop me now, but me.”

“I’m training, I’m sweating, I’m pushing, I’m fired up,” he said.

“Whatever it takes to get back on top. Hard work pays off. I’ve put my blood sweat and tears into this sport.

Originally published as Bernard Tomic tests positive to after mid-match Covid claim in qualifying match