Bernard Tomic made a statement of intent, saying he’s putting in the ‘blood, sweat and tears’ in his latest comeback bid.
The former Australian Open boys’ champion has gone off the rails in recent years.
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Once as high as No.17 in the world and a Wimbledon quarter-finalist at 18, the 29-year-old is now ranked 254th and won the most recent of his four career titles in 2018.
But Tomic, whose commitment has long been questioned, posted a montage on his Instragram account and is getting into shape for another shot at glory.
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“I’ve had a lot of hate in my life. But I can’t give up. You don’t think I see the hate comments? It hurts,” he said.
“In the past I used to let it get to me and react out of stupidity. But now I’m using it as fuel.
“I’m back. I am … I’m hungry, and I’m ready. No one can stop me now, but me.”
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In the video, Tomic is filmed in the Instagram video boxing and lifting weights with Fort Minor’s ‘Remember the Name’ as his backing track.
“I’m training, I’m sweating, I’m pushing, I’m fired up,” he said.
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“Whatever it takes to get back on top. Hard work pays off. I’ve put my blood sweat and tears into this sport.
“I have come back before. It’s time to set the record straight.”
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With the player falling out with almost all the authority figures in Australia he may not receive a wildcard at his home Slam.
Tomic’s road back may well start with the Australian Open qualifiers early next year.
