“After having a photo with Roger Federer, he went from being my idol to not being my idol,” reveals Aussie player Bernard Tomic

“After having a photo with Roger Federer, he went from being my idol to not being my idol,” reveals Aussie player Bernard Tomic
Roger Federer, Bernard Tomic

The success achieved in tennis is measured by the number of titles a player wins, especially Grand Slams as it adds more weight in a long career like that of Roger Federer’s and Rafael Nadal’s, who flaunt 20 Grand Slam titles each.

There exist comparisons when the stage is set so high however, one can always pave their way in order to fulfill their expectations.

Australia’s Bernard Tomic certainly had a lot of expectations riding on his shoulders when he first stepped on the court as a professional. Although, Tomic managed to reach a career highest rank of World No.17, the 28 year-old’s career is known for his controversial behaviour, altercations with officials and fans and accusations of tanking during events.

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In a recent podcast interview with WTA Player Vicky Duval, Tomic was made to explore a range of topics — right from the players he idolised growing up to his future plans in tennis.

“I idolised Roger Federer but no more after a period of time”: Bernard Tomic

Roger Federer

When asked during the podcast by Duval if Tomic idolised any players for inspiration, the ‘bad boy’ of tennis replied tongue-in-cheek saying that he idolized the Swiss until he met him at the age of 13, not after that.

“I idolized Federer at a young age, Federer and Agassi, but just stopped idolising anyone after a period of time. But definitely Roger Federer, I would say. After I had a photo with him at the age of 13, he really wasn’t my idol anymore,” Tomic said.

In 2015, Tomic had indulged in a verbal spat with Federer when the Aussie declared that Federer was nowhere near his arch-rival Novak Djokovic’s level following Federer’s comment about Tomic having missed his chance to live up to his potential, in an interview.

“Playing 9-10 years from now is out of question”: Tomic on playing until 39 years of age

Tomic says that playing till the age of 38 or 39 like Federer was out of question for him

At the end of the podcast, the Australian was asked if he would like to play till 38 or 39 years of age like Roger Federer. Tomic replied that while playing for another 9-10 years from now was out of question for him, 39 remains quite far-fetched.

“I believe I’ve been on the tour for a while. I was 16, I was winning matches at the Australian Open, my success came at a young age. I don’t think I can play till atleast 38 or 39 like Federer, that’s 9-10 years rom now. Probably not, probably the maximum I’ll go will be 34-35 so we’ll see. I just got my spirit together to maybe to survive another 5,6 or 7,” Tomic remarked.

Also Read: “This is Roger” Roger Federer shares exciting video ahead of his return to tennis after 11 months