The Next Big Thing: Linda Pearce in The Age
This is a comprehensive, balanced and nuanced story about 13-year-old Bernard Tomic of Australia.
Since seeing him win the Eddie Herr and Junior Orange Bowl 12s in 2004, I've followed his career very closely and have linked to several stories from Australia that accompanied his four straight wins in ITF junior events earlier this year. (Full disclosure--I've since become friends with his family and met his coach while in Australia). The depth and breadth of this feature sets it apart from the others I've read, and it is an interesting contrast to view Tomic's path with that of Sam Querrey, who won the Winnetka Challenger last Sunday and is now at 207 in the ATP rankings.
The Los Angeles Times explains the approach he and his family took in this article entitled U.S. Tennis Looks to a 6-foot-6 Answer.
2 comments:
colette- thanks for the link.. very good story about this boy.. so much work in front of these kids at their ages!!! one never knows......
Two great articles. I've read some other recent articles on Bernard that weren't so balanced. They tended to over emphasis his talent rather than put it in perspective of strenghts and weakness.I was very disappointed when Bernard was sent home from the Australian World Junior Tennis Competition last year. I thought Australia had a real chance chance of winning the tournament especially when the other Aussie boy was unbeaten in the tournament and Bernard had beaten him consistently in Australia.
I hope his developement won't be rushed just because he has sign a big sponsorship deal.Maturation in boys is very critical factor in their development.The Sam Querry illustrates this.Bernard was selected for AUSTRALIA'S Junior Davis Cup Team . He was beaten in both his singles matches in the semi final and final in the Asian zone.Until he can win at futures level or be competive in challengers, widcards to major open tournaments shouldn't even be talked about.
Great result for Sam Querry. Supports his decison to turn pro. Good to see he could fit tennis in with going to high school.At 6ft6inches and 19 years old he is going a big tennis player when he stops growing.
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