Australian Open qualification: out after 56 minutes - Bernard Tomic symptomatic?
Bernard Tomic raised expectations of his performances at the Australian Open in advance. In the first round of qualification, the Australian gave a curious performance. And had to give up after 56 minutes.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jan 11, 2022, 06:39 pm
"I think I can get into the top 10," Bernard Tomic told Australian media at the end of 2021. He is now older, wiser and looks back critically on his younger self, which often made negative headlines with antics on the court. Accordingly, there was of course great media interest in the local hero's appearances at the first major event of the year. Where there was a tough nut to crack in the first qualifying match with the formidable Russian Roman Safiullin.
Instead of an exciting battle on the second day of qualification, there was one thing above all to see on Tuesday: curiosities. Already early in the first sentence Tomic - who was anything but in the prime of his creativity - felt his pulse against himself at Breakball, later he was furious with the referee about how it could be that an antigen test instead of a PCR test as evidence used against a COVID infection. A little later, the Australian increased the stake - and wanted to bet with the referee on a dinner that he would buy the referee if he did not become infected with the corona virus within three days.
Tomic "really sick" after the match
At this point in time, the sporting side was - Safiullin could easily win the first round 6: 1 and already led with a break and 2: 1 in set two - for a long time no longer in the center. For opponent Bernard Tomic it was already clear: He must be infected with COVID-19 and the symptoms of the infection are what make it impossible for him to compete at the highest level on that day. At least during the handshake after 56 minutes of play, the Australian was considerate of the health of his opponent: It stayed with the fistbump.
A few hours after the defeat, Tomic's condition appeared to have worsened. "I feel really sick and I'm back in the hotel room. I just spoke to the doctors on site and they asked me to isolate myself. They couldn't treat me to avoid contact with me," explained the 29- Year olds via Instagram. It was very disappointing for him, after all, he wanted to make his compatriots "proud and present himself well on the court," as Tomic emphasized. The former world number 17 said whether he had undergone a PCR test. not.