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Bernard Tomic has been rewarded for his form in Sydney with a wild card into the Australian Open but has been warned by Tennis Australia that he must put more effort into his career. Todd Woodbridge announced today on channel 7two (normal channel viewing was taken by extensive flood coverage) that the teenager would be given a chance but that both he and his father have been told that Bernard’s competition schedule last year was insufficient and he needs to play more if he wants more chances.
Carsten Ball has also received a wild card.
“These are always difficult decisions. He needed to produce something in Sydney and he has done that with three good wins. His tennis has now earned this wild card. We wanted to see players achieve some results, and Carsten has certainly done that throughout the year.
Bernard is a talent but cannot be rewarded with a wild card on that alone, nor should he ever expect that. He has not had much tennis and he missed the AO playoff, so the pressure was on him to perform, particularly after he did not play well in Brisbane.
He had not done enough. He needed to produce something in Sydney and he has done that with three good wins. His tennis has now earned this wild card.” -Todd Woodbridge
“In making these decisions, we are also looking at creating a culture that will help us build a strong Davis Cup team. I want to see a real work ethic, attitude and sense of camaraderie that reflects our proud tennis history. That’s always stood out as being a point of difference with the Aussie players.” – Pat Rafter
