Unexpected quitter in Bernard Tomic’s Australian Open return as girlfriend watches on

Bernard Tomic had some support in the stands from his adult film star girlfriend and father John, who was back on the scene.

Tennis star Bernard Tomic has secured his first victory at the Australian Open in more than four years after defeating World No. 104 Yuichi Sugita in his first round clash at Melbourne Park.

Tomic has been a controversial figure in Australian sport for several years, having only won one grand slam match since 2018.

But the 28-year-old has turned over a new leaf, starting his 2021 season with four consecutive victories.

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Tomic was well below his best in the opening passage of play on Monday evening, dropping the opening set 6-3 in 36 minutes.

But he bounced back immediately, winning 10 of a possible 12 games after completing the first set.

Bernard Tomic playing Yuichi Sugita of Japan.

It was all one-way traffic during the second set before his Japanese rival retired hurt in the third, handing Tomic a walkover 3-6 6-1 4-1 victory.

Tomic’s dad and former coach John sat next to the Queenslander’s girlfriend, OnlyFans star Vanessa Sierra, in the stands as the pair watched on.

Sierra caused controversy when she complained about the conditions in hotel quarantine before the tournament, even copping a sledge from Nick Kyrgios.

Tomic had some support in the stands.

Tomic, ranked 233rd, finished the contest with 11 aces, winning 80 per cent of points on first serve.

Monday’s win was Tomic’s first grand slam victory since he trumped Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the first round of Wimbledon in 2018.

It was also the 23rd match Tomic has played which was decided by a retirement, but only the second time his opponent was the one calling it quits.

Bernie Tomic's winning grand slam matches again, and father John is back in his corner. Feels like 2016 again. #AusOpen

— Marc McGowan 🗣✍️👨🏻‍💻📰 (@ByMarcMcGowan) February 8, 2021

Millman loses

Tomic wins

Australia confused #AusOpen

— Simon Brunsdon (@SimonBrunsdon) February 8, 2021

READ MORE: Kyrgios rages about team member’s girlfriend

“I played very, very badly in the first set,” Tomic said after the game.

“I was kind of a little bit nervous. It was windy, it was cold. It was pretty bad.

“But the second and third was some of the best tennis I’ve played in a while.

“Am I a bit excited? Probably not, but it’s good to be back, I guess, at this level.

“I played some solid tennis in (qualifying) and I’m just happy to be here.”

Tomic will face either Denis Shapovalov or Jannik Sinner in the second round on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, fellow Australian players Alex Bolt and James Duckworth also qualified for the second round.