Five things Bernard Tomic must ignore to reach the top

BERNARD Tomic is concentrating on tennis now. He said it himself. But if he wants to reach the top, there are five things he must ignore.

BERNARD Tomic is actually concentrating on tennis now.

He said it himself after shocking Novak Djokovic at the Hopman Cup.

But if Bernie really wants to focus on reaching the top, there are five things he has to ignore.

1. HIS OWN HYPE

In between bowing out in first and second rounds the past year or so, Bernie has been making statements like he'll be in the top 10 within 12 months. He's not in the top 50 at the moment. There aren’t many blokes on the tour making brash statements like that. Roger Federer does it from time to time in his own special way, but the difference is he can get away with it: he's earned it and he's usually right.

Bernard Tomic

2. DRIVING

Get a chauffeur, Bernie. It seems like every time he gets behind the wheel the cops get involved. Think of all the trouble his high-powered BMW caused him on the Gold Coast. Just step away from the vehicles - at least until the good behaviour bond is over. Also, if you’re going to drive a Ferrari, probably choose the one without the numberplate “SINCITY”.

Bernard Tomic

3. NIGHTCLUBS

Leave the early morning brawls and run-ins with police to the footy players - that's their thing. It's evident on YouTube that a lot of the top tennis players are actually into karaoke rather than clubbing; good clean fun. Maybe that's what he could look into.

Chris Nyst

4. DAD (AS A COACH)

John Tomic has done a great job getting Bernard to this point, there is no doubting that. But to go to that extra level, it is time for a new voice. Ill-discipline has been a big issue in the past, and Bernie may be able to get away with more from with his father. There was also that instance when Bernie asked the umpire to remove John from the stands because he was annoying him. That's not good.

John Tomic

5. MODELS

While no one would question Bernie's decision to go out with Donay Meijer last summer, dating models isn’t always a recipe for on-court success. Just ask Mark Philippoussis.

Donay Meijer