Bernard Tomic makes first decent tennis final since 2018 Chengdu Open beating Tristan Schoolkate

His first significant tennis tournament final in six years - saving match points on the way - has prompted a stunned commentator to announce “Bernie’s back!”. FULL STORY

A resurgent Bernard Tomic has made his biggest tennis pro tour final in six years, prompting a commentator to remark “Bernie’s back”.

The Gold Coast former world number 17 has advanced to the title match of the Fairfield Challenger in the United States, already earning a rankings lift to 207, his highest in years.

Tomic, 31, downed fellow Australian Tristan Schoolkate - 169 in the world - 6-3 6-3 in their semi, prompting the commentator to say: “In 2024, our lord and saviour Bernard Tomic is back in a final. I never would have thought it but here we are - Bernie’s back.”

Serving for it at 5-3 in the second set, the commentator noted: “Tomic has been in a slew of quarter finals for a year and a half on the Challenger tour, now he’s a game away from a final.”

Gold Coast tennis star Bernard Tomic on his way to beating fellow Australian Tristan Schoolkate at the Fairfield Challenger semi-final in the US on October 13, 2024. Picture: Challenger TV

Just over two years ago his career looked dead and buried with his ranking falling to the lowly 800s when he revealed to the Bulletin he aimed to give tennis one last shot, believing he could return to the top 100 and have a decent final few years.

He said at the time he missed the feeling of being near the top: “I’ve got one more chance at this. I’ll try and do it for myself.”

If he wins the Monday final, his ranking will likely jump inside the top 200 and put him in contention for qualifying at the Australian Open in January.

His Fairfield run included a fighting quarter-final where he saved two match points to win 7-6 1-6 7-6 over world number 249 Alexis Galarneau. His last significant tour title was an ATP 250 event, the 2018 Chengdu Open when he beat Italian star Fabio Fognini.

Tomic at age 18 became the youngest quarter-finalist at Wimbledon since two-time winner Boris Becker. He took a break from the sport in his late 20s citing mental fatigue.

Gold Coast tennis star Bernard Tomic is into his first significant pro tennis final in six years - he plays the Fairfield Challenger final, with an anticipated rankings boost inside the top 200. A commentator announced: “I never would have thought it - but Bernie’s back.” Picture: Challenger TV

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Originally published as Bernard Tomic makes first decent tennis final since 2018 Chengdu Open beating Tristan Schoolkate