The emergence of Nick Kyrgios can be a catalyst for Bernard Tomic to finally start fulfilling his potential, Todd Woodbridge says.
Kyrgios has usurped Tomic as the nation’s top young player after a spectacular run to the last eight at Wimbledon.
The Canberra teen toppled world No.1 Rafael Nadal in becoming the youngest man to reach the quarter-finals since Tomic did so as an 18-year-old in 2011.
Back then, Tomic was hailed as the future of Australian tennis but injuries and off-court controversy – including the drama surrounding his controversial father and coach John – have slowed his progress.
The 21-year-old Queenslander will slip out of the top 100 for the first time in three years after a second-round exit at Wimbledon while 19-year-old Kyrgios is set to soar in the top 70.
Doubles legend and Tennis Australia mentor Woodbridge believes Tomic can use Kyrgios’ emergence both as motivation and a chance to get away from the spotlight and scrutiny.
“I think it’s good in a way for Bernie to have another guy come along like this because it’s going to put some pressure on him and stress on him that he’s got to lift and drive again and that’s a real positive,” Woodbridge said after Kyrgios’ quarter-final loss to Milos Raonic.
“He’s also got someone to take the pressure off him.
“When it’s only one person doing everything and the focus is on them, when you’re having a bit of a downer, everyone’s focused on you.
“But we’ve got someone now doing something positive so Bernie can just be away now, just getting the work done.”
Woodbridge reiterated Kyrgios’ performance had shown a young crop of Australian players – including James Duckworth, Luke Saville and Thanasi Kokkinakis – what was possible “with the right work and the right attitude”.
Kyrgios agrees.
“When I’m back in Australia now and we’re all training together, I think it’s definitely going to be a motivation for them,” he said.
“In practice, usually they beat me.
“That’s going to give them confidence, you know, to see if I’m doing this well – they can do it as well.
“I think it’s a massive step.”
