Tennis: Bernard Tomic challenges Nick Krygios to determine who is the better player

Bernard Tomic has stoked the fires ahead of the Australian Open by challenging Nick Kyrgios to a match ‘anytime, anywhere’. Would the former world No.17 stand a chance? Have your say.

Bernard Tomic and Nick Kyrgios have traded barbs.

Bernard Tomic has challenged Nick Kyrgios to a rematch “anytime, anywhere” as the pair exchange words in the lead up to the Australian summer.

Tomic has re-emerged publicly in recent months as he prepares to ramp up his bid for a spot in the Australian Open.

The former world 17 has slumped to 259 on the rankings. But the 29-year-old is confident he can still mix it with the best as he takes on his “last crack” at the professional tennis circuit.

Kyrgios and Tomic have exchanged barbs since Tomic said he was a better player than Kyrgios on his Instagram. Tomic pointed to his 6-3 6-4 victory at the Kooyong Classic two years ago as proof.

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Bernard Tomic has challenged Nick Krygios to a match. Picture: Michael Klein

However, Kyrgios was having none of it saying Tomic had won no titles and claimed no big scalps.

Tomic told News Corp he was prepared to face Kyrgios whenever his fellow Australian wanted.

“Thanks to Nicky boy for the kind words and encouragement,” Tomic said.

“It was comfortable when I beat him with all due respect. Whenever he wants I am happy to make it 2-0. I’m more than happy to do a re-match at any time. His style suits me. I’ve had no problems with big servers.

“I just want to set the record straight. I’ve beaten (the likes of) Marin Cilic, Lleyton Hewitt and Nick.

“All jokes aside, I look forward to seeing him at the Australian Open and hopefully we can both make Australia proud. I wish him nothing but the best.”

Kyrgios will kick start his season in Melbourne for the Summer Event from January 3-9, before returning to Sydney from January 9-15 for the Sydney Tennis Classic.

Tomic will head to Melbourne for Australian Open qualifying from January 10-14 in the hope to secure a main draw qualification.

Tomic is finally finding the dedication which once had him earmarked to be a decade long top 10 player. He is in the midst of finalising a new coaching team as he trains up to four hours a day for the first time in years.

Nick Kyrgios was having none of Tomic’s comments. Picture: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

“Look honestly, I’ve got one more shot to turn it around and do the right thing,” Tomic said. “It is to prove it to myself – that’s the main thing. It will take six to 12 months of hard work to get back to the top.”

Tomic has been sparingly seen on the court in recent years. He won the qualifiers to get through into the Australian Open main draw before losing to No.14 Denis Shapovalov in the second round.

He failed to qualify for the French Open or Wimbledon. Tomic has not sat inside the top 100 since August, 2019 and has spent more than five years outside the top 20 players.

Tomic has earmarked the Australian summer to springboard his comeback.

“The qualifiers is the next goal,” Tomic said. “Training is up to three times a day and I’m hitting a lot of balls on court.

“Before last year’s Australian Open I hadn’t held a racquet for six months and I made the second round.

“Hopefully I can go better this time.”