Bernard Tomic, once hailed as one of Australia’s brightest tennis prospects, has opened up about the motivation driving his late-career resurgence. At 32, the former world No. 17 is chasing a return to the top 100 in the ATP rankings—a milestone he believes would allow him to step away from the sport with peace of mind.
After years of fluctuating form and public scrutiny, Tomic has found renewed purpose on the court. Recently qualifying for his first main-level tournament since the 2021 Australian Open, he described tennis as the one constant in his life that continues to give him direction. “It’s the only thing I’m good at,” he said, reflecting on nearly three decades in the sport.
Tomic’s journey has been anything but linear. From a promising junior career to a dramatic fall outside the top 800 in 2022, he has battled both physical and mental challenges. Yet, through the grind of the ITF and Challenger circuits, he clawed his way back into the top 300 and now sits just outside the top 200.
His current goal is clear: break back into the top 100. For Tomic, achieving that would not only mark a personal victory but also serve as a symbolic closure to a career filled with highs, lows, and lessons. “I’m not in my prime like I was,” he admitted, “but that’s why I’m challenging myself to get back there one more time.”
As he prepares for his next match in Mallorca, Tomic’s focus is unwavering. Whether or not he reaches his ranking goal, his renewed mindset and determination suggest that he’s already won something far more valuable—clarity about what truly matters to him.
