Bernard Tomic defeated by world No. 127 Jozef Kovalik in Australian Open qualifier

Bernard Tomic’s hopes of returning to the Australian Open main draw have been swiftly dashed once again.

Bernard Tomic has crashed out of Australian Open qualifying. Picture: Tony Gough

Bernard Tomic has tumbled out of Australian Open contention in a brutal straight-sets thrashing.

The 32-year-old went down to world No. 124 Jozef Kovalik in the opening round of qualifying in Melbourne on Tuesday.

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The once-promising talent, who hasn’t appeared in a grand slam main draw since 2021, was overwhelmed by a more consistent and focused Kovalik, who dispatched him 6-3, 6-1 in just over an hour on the KIA Arena court.

Tomic, currently ranked 213th, made an encouraging start but quickly ran into trouble as Kovalik broke serve in the fifth game of the opening set.

The 32-year-old went down in a straight-sets defeat to world No. 124 Jozef Kovalik.

Tomic quickly crashed out of Australian Open qualifying. Picture: Tony Gough

From there, it was a tale of frustration for Tomic as Kovalik converted four break points to take the match by the scruff.

Tomic’s frustration became increasingly apparent as the match wore on.

He gestured angrily towards his box, shaking his head after every lost point. His usually powerful serve was neutralised by Kovalik’s relentless return game.

Kovalik sealed the win with an ace down the middle, converting the first of his two match points to secure a place in the second round of qualifying.