mtenis.com.pl

Q. Are you a bit nervous?
BERNARD TOMIC: Little bit. You know, it's a good feeling, I think. You know, I'm ready to go. Have a good preparation, good confidence over the last few weeks. I think it's going to be an exciting match tomorrow.

Q. The fact you played so well at Kooyong increased outside expectations a little bit. Does it change your expectations coming into this tournament?
BERNARD TOMIC: A bit. You know, confidence is the key, especially before a major. I think I've got a lot of confidence now. Played well up in Brisbane and Kooyong. To be in the form, the right practice mode I've been in the last few months is a good feeling it's paid off and you're right to go for a slam.

Q. Individually do you think this is the best form you've taken into a Grand Slam event?
BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I think so, for sure. You know, feeling confident is a good bonus and a good key for my tennis. If I'm confident, I can go a long way, I think.

Q. A lot of people thought given how much interest there is in the match it might be a night match. Do you prefer the fact you're actually playing during the day?
BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I prefer it. I think if I played him at night, it would be much slower. I think he likes it slow. To play him during the day, where it's a little bit quicker, and a little bit more air can get in, I think it's better for me.

Q. Did you get a chance to celebrate your win or straight back into the preparation?
BERNARD TOMIC: Straight back in. I'd love to celebrate, but after this tournament, depending on how I go, I can celebrate a bit (smiling).

Q. What is the key to beating a player like Fernando?
BERNARD TOMIC: Just got to be more attacking. I think I've done that well the last few weeks. Even in Kooyong and Brisbane, I've been a bit more attacking. To beat the top guys, you need to step up. You can't play outside 50 tennis.

I have a good chance, the way I'm playing, to beat him.

Q. How do you keep your focus with a big event like this with all the leadup?
BERNARD TOMIC: I'm one of those guys that I don't worry about the offcourt business, relax. It doesn't really take apart a lot, I think.

Q. What is your record against Verdasco?
BERNARD TOMIC: He beat me once in Brisbane I think when I was 16 up there. That was when he was on his run, playing well. I think, you know, the last six months he hasn't really done much. I think it's a good time to play him.

Q. Before the Kooyong tournament you were asked whether you felt like you belonged. Given your performances last week and another good run, do you feel like you're getting into that bracket?
BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I think I do. To play Kooyong, to have those matches under my belt, to win them all is great. I know I played them all in three sets. It's better to win in three. I played long matches, longer hours.

Confidence is key, like I said, before a tournament like this, to play a player like Fernando. I think I have the right confidence before I play him, which is good.

Q. Three or four fiveset matches, physically are you equipped for that?
BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I'm fit. I played over the last three, four days a lot of three sets. I'm fine. I'm having today off, so it's good.

Q. How far off do you think you are from your physical peak in terms of power, speed, in terms of age, relative to where you want to be?
BERNARD TOMIC: I think I have a lot more to improve. A few years to get to where I want to be with my body. I keep improving every day that I play. If you improve every day a little bit in something, you can keep getting better. I think that's what I've been doing. I've done a good job at it.

A few years really to go where I can really improve the most.

Q. John McEnroe was saying the other day after the draw, given your form, even though Fernando is the higherranked player, there would be more pressure on you.
BERNARD TOMIC: It's a bit different now. Last year I was a bit younger. I could play a little bit more freer. Now people expect a lot from me.

But, you know, I'm lucky and fortunate that I don't really worry when I'm on court. On court, I forget about everything. I worry about how to beat the player.

Q. Is that something that comes pretty naturally to you, once you get on the court, all those outside things disappear, or is that something you've had to work on?
BERNARD TOMIC: I think it's my style. I just tend to disappear. Thoughts are not in my head. You hear a lot of things when you're not playing tennis, then you think about it.

When I'm on the tennis court, I don't think about anything, except trying to win (laughter).

Q. Have you had a very good look at him the last couple days?
BERNARD TOMIC: I have. I watched him a few times last year. I think I was supposed to play him in rounds if I won. I didn't. I watched him play the players, they beat me.

Fernando's got one of the best forehands. If you keep the ball to his backhand corner, he's not going to hurt you. He serves pretty decent and he moves really well. If you attack the backhand corner, that's what I'm going to do tomorrow.

Bernard Tomic 16.01.2012

Q. You said out on court you didn't know how you did it. A couple minutes later, can you give us an answer?

BERNARD TOMIC: It's very hard to speak out there after the match. It was probably one of the best matches for me that I played. Looking back to something like Wimbledon, I was down two sets to love and a break as well; won that in five sets, I think, in the second round.

You know, I haven't played a lot of these fivesetters. So being not that fit, it's tough to put your mind to come through that, and I don't know how I did it today.

One of those days. I'm so happy with myself.



Q. Are you a little worried what might happen when you do get fit?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah. Big problem then (smiling).



Q. It was an extraordinary match, so many ups and downs. The way eventually you took it was like a very mature player.

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, you know, it's very hard in that position when you're down two sets to love and having three set points in that second set.

If it was someone else, I think they would have thrown in the towel. I don't know how I found the energy today. I knew I could've beaten him. I knew had so many chances to win the first and second.

I think that's one of the reasons that made me push to win that third. After the third, I got the confidence.



Q. How much are you training? We've seen pictures of you running on treadmills after you've played threesetters and things like that.

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I think it's important. Even after Kooyong and stuff, the matches when I won I went to the treadmill for about 20 minutes. It's all about getting fit. It's being able to push yourself when it's impossible to win.

And, you know, had I not done that fitness the last two, three months, you know, there's no way mentally you can be out there in that heat and turn around in a match like that and win.

I think it was all fitness, the way I've been preparing the last few months. It's all paid off.



Q. Will you be doing that here?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I'm going to stop that for sure, have a bit of a rest. But tomorrow, you know, it's all about the future. I know I'm still young and matches go long like this, but I want to get to where I want to be when I'm 21, 22. I have a lot to improve.

So even if that's listening to my trainers to do some work outside today, I'm willing do that. I think I deserve a rest, but...

I know they'll give me rest. They me.



Q. What was the thought process on the last point before you pulled the trigger?

BERNARD TOMIC: I didn't pull the trigger. It was tough. I just switched the rally. I just went from cross to down the line. I can do that really well. There was no way I was going for a shot. No way.

I just switched it and played something different and caught him out. He thought I was going in the backhand corner and couldn't run for it.



Q. Were you disappointed to be playing in the afternoon rather than at night?

BERNARD TOMIC: No, I requested that. Silly me (smiling). Did not know that the heat was going to be like this. It's the first day in the last few months where it's actually been this hot. I chose the wrong time to play.

But lucky I won.



Q. If you had the choice over again, a secondround match, would you be looking at night?

BERNARD TOMIC: Depends on if it's going to be hot like this. I would love to play when it's a bit cooler. I know I play Sam now, which is a good match. He's not a lefthander, so it's a bit easier in a way. It's tough, you know, when Fernando gets that ball to my backhand. It's almost impossible to outrally him.

Different opponent now. Night or day, I'm going to think about whether I play him night or day.



Q. When you're in a match like this, can you draw on anything in the past, or are you so much into the match that all you can consider is the opponent in front of you?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, it's hard. Um, you know, it's not a good feeling, especially when you're losing. You see the fans just disappearing one by one. It's a tough feeling.

Then you start winning and they come back one by one.



Q. Do you think you showed people something about yourself that they might not have known today?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I think I did. I showed myself, you know, something different. It's the hardest thing in the world in that heat, playing and, you know, and losing it like that. And having so many chances to win the first and second set, like I said, and to be able to turn it around, to be fitter than a player like that, to know that mentally you're there, it's a good feeling. He's one of the fittest guys on tour.

I think it was a good task for me today. Showed me what I'm capable of doing. Anything's possible in the future when you're two sets to love down.



Q. Was there any time in the match when his body language showed you something that you focused on?

BERNARD TOMIC: Um, yeah, in the third set. He thought I had a feeling he knew I was going to go away. I eased off, as well, I think on purpose. I eased off and seemed I didn't care, and I think that's what drawed him a little bit tonight. He thought he was going to win that third set, and when the right time came, I broke him.

You know, after that the third set, you know, he started getting a little bit tight and not hitting his shots.



Q. So you set him up a little bit?

BERNARD TOMIC: In that third set, yeah. I knew if I lifted my game early, he would have lifted as well and he wouldn't have let go. I pretended a little bit in the first few games in that third set to not be there as mentally, but in a way to still be there.



Q. The idea of being a bigmatch player, how much of that is in you and how much of that is something you can learn as you go along and adapt to the situation?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, you can learn about yourself, and, yeah, how in the future you can play. I think there's a lot of guys that get two sets to love down, especially in a Grand Slam, it's the toughest thing to come back like that, and they throw the towel in.

You know, anything's possible if you keep trying. Same thing happened in Wimbledon when I was in the second round. I was losing two sets to love down and made the quarters.

Anything is possible. Can't always give up.



Q. How much of that is in you as opposed to something you're picking up as you go?

BERNARD TOMIC: I always fight till the end. You know you're going to lose matches. You know you got to win. But it feels so much better when you win like this.



Q. Compared to that Wimbledon match, you didn't get the overnight break you got there and conditions hotter here, so how much better is this win for you than that one?

BERNARD TOMIC: So much better. This is probably the toughest fiveset match that I've ever played. To be able to turn around a match from a player like that just shows me what I'm capable in the future. I'll be down a lot more times in this position. You have confidence being down at a young age, being able to turn it around.

So in the future, when I'm down, I can lift myself and give it a go always.



Q. What did you learn from your last Grand Slam appearance against Cilic in New York?

BERNARD TOMIC: Not a lot (laughter).



Q. Just about the temperament.

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, well, Marin is a different player. Everybody speaks about him in the locker room. He can beat everyone and lose to everyone in the top hundred.

The day that he played me was ridiculous, and he played his greatest tennis. I think I didn't play too well in the second, but you learn. I had a good offseason in Asia and in Europe.

I'm going to lose tennis matches. People are going to play good. I'm going to beat players some days really good. It's just a matter of who comes goes far. That's it.



Q. How much of the expectation of the Aussie public do you come in contact with? You get journalists asking you to do interviews. But in your daily life, do Aussies come up to you and talk to you about what it would mean to them for you to do well?

BERNARD TOMIC: You hear it around. The crowd always want an Australian in the final to do well, best as they can, at a home slam. But they don't realize it's one of the hardest things in the world.

To have so many worldclass players you have to beat on the way to get to the quarters, let alone a final, it's the hardest thing. I'm only going to learn and get confidence, and one day be in the position to get to the finals of majors. You got to work hard, and matches like this is what you need along the way.



Q. Other players in Sydney talked about the experience they feel playing before Australian crowds. Is there any pressure, especially when you were 2Love down?

BERNARD TOMIC: There is. You hear that a little bit. It's the hardest thing when you're losing and you know you want to do as best for the crowd and you want their support as much as you can.

When they start leaving, not believing in you, it's a tough feeling. You think you can only turn it around and make them come back.



Q. You talked about the crowd helping you out. You're not necessarily someone who interacts with the crowd and shows a lot of emotion. Does that feel like a disconnect for you?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, you know, it's tough. You focus on your tennis game, win the next point, little things. The people screaming, it's tough. You can only hear so much. There's so many things going through your head.

In a way it helps when they scream out the right things. There were a few comments today that motivated me and made me play good from the public.



Q. Have you had a standing ovation before?

BERNARD TOMIC: No. This was the first time.



Q. Did you watch Lleyton when you were growing up playing these afternoon matches here doing his warrior routine?

BERNARD TOMIC: I did. A lot of his matches, same stories, did the impossible: turned around a match in this situation. You know, I think it's a good thing that I can believe in myself at this age. It can only be better for me in the future.

Q. Have you learnt, being around Lleyton in Davis Cup? Have you taken something onboard from him?

BERNARD TOMIC: I have. You learn from a player that's been No. 1 in the world. Any player that has been No. 1 in the world, you can pick up the best info from them. Lleyton, never gives up. That's one of the reasons he got to No. 1.

I think I had it in me today. I played a good tennis match, and believed in myself as much as I could. That got me through it.

Q. Came out serving very hard. What do you think you were able to do to turn it around after that?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, very, very difficult to really serve. It was tough because he was hitting his forehand well. And, yeah, not only getting his serve back was hard, he was hitting the forehand big. You know, it's tough when you have to get the serve back into the backhand court and always end there and not just get it back into play. I think I didn't play as good as I did in the first, but all credit to him. That first set was really, really good serving from him.

Q. Did you sort of do anything technically in particular to change that and get the win?

BERNARD TOMIC: No. I think I was guessing the wrong way in the first set, and second set I started guessing the right way and, you know, he started missing a lot more first serves. It gave me chances to break him a few more times. The third and fourth set he was serving well, as well.

Q. Are you getting so comfortable on Rod Laver Arena that it might be a bit of a disappointment if you might have to play a match somewhere else in this championship?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I'm getting comfortable after three or four years of losing on that court. (Laughter.) It's finally ‑‑ you know, I thought I was going to lose that first round, so I thought I was going to lose another match and have to wait another year to win a match. I was happy to win that first round. Now to win the second and play, you know, well, and come back from another set behind was really good.

Q. You played in daytime in the heat, and then you played tonight, cooler. How do you adjust your game to allow for the different conditions?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, it's very difficult playing in the heat and playing at night. Totally different ball game. I think, you know, during the day you've got to survive. You're not only playing the player, you're playing the heat as well. At night it's a bit slower and bit colder and a bit more wind, so it's a bit more difficult. But you got to learn to adapt, and a whatever you get thrown at you you have to learn to deal with it.

Q. What advantage is it knowing you're going to play 7:00 on an evening schedule?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, you get the timing right is very good. You know, you know when you're scheduled to play so it's a good thing. You prepare well pretty much all day for the start at 7:00.

Q. How did it feel yesterday after the marathon? Pretty good?

BERNARD TOMIC: Um, when I woke up I was feeling a little bit tired. You know, yesterday during the day I tried to recover, which, you know, was all right. I woke up feeling, you know, 80, 90% in the morning, so today I knew by tonight I'd be ready to go.

Q. Alexandr has give you trouble in the past. What exactly is it that you have trouble with him?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, no, I've played him a few times. I think, you know, last year in Sydney I won 7‑6, 0‑6, 6‑2, and same the story in Shanghai. Third round last year I won 7‑5 and lost 6‑1, 6‑1.

So it's very tough and weird scorelines. He's a very difficult player to play. I think he doesn't like my game. I don't like his. So it's very difficult. He is a very good player, and a lot of people struggle with him. All I've got to do is smart things when I play him. I think the last few times I've played him I didn't do the right thing after winning the first set.

Q. In that Shanghai match you seemed so frustrated that you just kind of seemed to go away in it. Did you feel that way? How do you not do that this time?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, well, the funny thing is I was playing well in Shanghai. Then it started raining and we got moved indoors, and we got moved into a lightning‑fast court with no space behind to move. It was very difficult. And playing a player that's very weird in a weird court when it was supposed to be on an outside court was difficult for me. I won that first set there but, he seems to play good tennis and bad tennis for a set. So it's very difficult. You have to just hold your game against him and hope for the best. You can play really good and you can't do nothing sometimes.

Q. Do you consider yourself a streaky player at all?

BERNARD TOMIC: I consider myself very smart and tactical, so it's a good thing, you know. I know where to get balls ‑‑ balls to the opponents, but I don't ‑‑ like where I can create, you know, good shots for me. As opposed to him, I think it's a very, very, you know, he's very unco and very weird to play, and I'm sure a lot of players say the same thing about him.

Q. Jelena Jankovic said you two had talked in Brisbane about playing mixed doubles here, but I don't think you signed up for it. What happened there?

BERNARD TOMIC: Did I? I didn't know about that.

Q. You didn't talk to her in Brisbane?

BERNARD TOMIC: I talked to her. Maybe I forgot to sign in. She'll kill me for that. She told me to sign in. I didn't sign in. Whoa, thanks for reminding me. (Laughter.) Gee, I knew I forgot something the last few weeks.

Q. You said the other day that you had the feeling you could take the match whenever you needed to. Did you have that feeling today?

BERNARD TOMIC: I did after the second set. The first set was very strange. He played very good, and I started questioning myself if he's going to keep serving and playing like this whether I have a chance.

But I got lucky, and he didn't serve as good in the second. He gave me confidence.

Q. Would you prefer a day match for the next one?

BERNARD TOMIC: I'd prefer night, the slower conditions, against him. We'll see.

Q. Can you just compare how you're feeling compared to this time last year?

BERNARD TOMIC: One year older. (Laughter.) You know, it's the same feeling, same, you know, round. You know, it's no Nadal, so I think it's okay. Better chance than last year.

B. TOMIC/A. Dolgopolov



4‑6, 7‑6, 7‑6, 2‑6, 6‑3

Q. Was it as exciting to play as it was to watch?

BERNARD TOMIC: Very difficult to play. Very hard. It's like a mirror playing yourself. The shots that are coming back the way that you give to players. They're coming back to you the same. It's very difficult.

I'm happy have to won that second set. Favor me a lot of confidence I think. I think we played a good tennis match. It was good tennis.



Q. Have you ever experienced a crowd like that before?

BERNARD TOMIC: No, it was remarkable. You know, I think in that first round as well when I played Fernando it was also huge. Tonight's game was so much support for me. The crowd pumps you and you feel so good out there playing. It makes you focus and want to win the next point. That's why I think I won today.



Q. In the little world that you live in with your family and camp, can you feel what's going on around you? Obviously your girl friend was on the front page of the paper today.

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, you know, you see this sort of stuff, and all of a sudden you're out there and people know who you were. It can be a tricky thing. I'm happy the way I'm playing in this sport and the way I'm growing up in this sport.

I know in the future if I continue good results, there will always be stuff around me and more people will know me. That's a different thing. You know, I guess it comes with it.

I think if you're successful in a sport, I think you just got to keep your head down and focus on your sport and my career I think.



Q. Have you noticed that's changed within the last week just out on the street?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, it was a bit like that after Wimbledon. Now it's a bit different. People know me. Yeah, I don't think I got to be careful.



Q. You're very calm on court no matter what the circumstances. Is that the way you are underneath, as well?

BERNARD TOMIC: One day I'll break a racquet. That's for sure. I'm holding it in till that day (laughter).



Q. Do you feel in the last week Australians are almost kind of coming of age?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, absolutely. I think the crowd more into me and supported me more this year than the last, and I think that's why I'm playing good tennis. I've improved from last year, but the crowd supported me so good and are making me play good tennis. I think that's what you need in your home slam. It's good support.

I seem to enjoy it and have fun out there.



Q. What happened at the end of the first game in the fifth set.

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, it was a long rally, a slice rally. Four, five slices and he hit the ball long. I knew the ball was long called, but I looked to the umpire's chair because I sort of had my head down. I knew where the shot was. So even though I liked to the ref to see what his reaction was, because I didn't hear him, I didn't say a thing.

I knew I got the slice back. It was on my frame. I was looking at him whether he was going to say "out," but I continued to play. He thought I was going to challenge it. Got lucky I didn't say anything.



Q. So in your mind you didn't challenge?

BERNARD TOMIC: No, I didn't challenge but I looked ‑‑ sometimes before the ref says "out" and overrules, he lifts his arm.

At that time when he didn't say "out," I continued to play. So I went like that. Alex thought I was challenging, and I didn't focus on that shot.



Q. Roger Federer?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah. You know, can't say much really. I hope I play good against him. I have to play good against him. I have to play good to have any chance, I think. I'm playing good and have a lot of confidence and it's my home Grand Slam. People are going to support me.

Sometimes it's not support. Against Roger you need to know how to play tennis and need to play tennis well if I have any chance of beating him. That's why he's the greatest to play the sport.

I'm happy to play him again. I had the experience in Davis Cup, which is good for me. Not sort of the one off one. I know sort of a way to sort of play him in a way, but Roger can play unbelievable. He's my favorite player, so it's always good to play him.



Q. Is it an advantage to have got that first game out of the way?

BERNARD TOMIC: It is, because I looked up to him a lot. He was like my idol. So to play him and have a feel for him, even on grass, like a match like this is good for me. To me, he's the best player to play. I love watching Roger even on TV now and in the past, so it's good to play him and get the opportunity to play him again.



Q. When you were about 12 meeting Roger, did you ever think you would be across the net playing him in a Grand Slam?

BERNARD TOMIC: No, not at that age. Not what I was thinking then. (Smiling.) I was probably into like Pokemon cards and that stuff at 12.



Q. Do you know what you're thinking now?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah. I'm beating the top players in the world and having chances, you know, playing for spots in quarterfinals of Grand Slams. It's a big feeling, and I'm happy with what I achieved last year. This year has been great. It's a start of a good year for me so I can't wait to play Roger.



Q. How ardent were you in your support of Roger? Did you stay up late to watch matches, video them, and have posters?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I've watched his matches since he won that first Wimbledon. With so many of the Grand Slams, I always tuned in to watch the finals when he plays Rafa or Novak. To me, I don't enjoy watching tennis, but when Roger plays on TV, you know, it's a pleasure to watch.



Q. So you don't even watch it now?

BERNARD TOMIC: Well, for us players, we're always in the locker room, looking at tennis. It's a bit difficult. You're always looking at tennis, so it becomes a little bit boring of.

For a player like that, when he plays, I'm going to sit and watch the whole match if I can.



Q. Did you have a conversation with him in Davis Cup?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah. He gave me a few tips, which is good now because I play him. So thanks, Roger.

No, he said, you know, I was good and can improve. I play a different game. It's good to get advice like that from someone like that when he beat me. I get the chance to play him now again, which is really good for me.



Q. (Question about parts of your game.)

BERNARD TOMIC: Slice, yeah. I had my own slice down the line. I looked up to him a lot slicing. Back three, four years ago, I started slicing a lot watching him and developing a slice like that. Now I have a really, really good slice, thanks to him.



Q. How much do you think your game has improved since you last played Roger?

BERNARD TOMIC: You know, I think the first set when I played him back then I was a little bit nervous. It was hard for me. I started playing really well in the second and third and managed to get a set. I was up 3‑Love in the second and lost that in a tight 7‑5. Playing on grass was a bit of an advantage for me for any slice.

I love this court here at Rod Laver. I think I've improved a lot. I keep improving, and we'll see how it goes on Sunday.



Q. Did you get a sense that the crowd is almost mesmerized by the tennis? There are long quiet periods. It's almost as though they're drifting off because it's so different. Do you get that sense in the middle of it?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah. No, when you play a long point, it's funny. It can be 5 million people out there or 15,000 like there was tonight, but you can't notice a thing. I can't notice a thing when we're in the point. It's amazing.

When you hit a good shot or he misses, then you hear all this applause. It's truly remarkable, in my view, when you play and play a long point. I don't seem to notice it ever, the people.



Q. Was that your best performance of the three tonight, and how much better do you think you have to play on Sunday?

BERNARD TOMIC: I played well tonight. Alex played well, as well. The thing is it's very tough playing ‑‑ we're the two most unusual players to play, so for me to play him and him to play me, it's very difficult. So it's tough to execute our shots where we want 'em and we have to keep using our slice.

It's very, very difficult to play someone that knows how to retrieve your balls. It's an advantage playing other players when I can get a slice down low and stuff, but with Alex it's no problem because he understands how to get it back. With him, it's not a match who plays better tennis; I think it's who's smarter and craftier.



Q. You've come a long way in the last 12 months. How much confidence have got to be able to do this and the on‑court interviews, as well?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, huge. I just keep learning. Every day I learn. You learn stuff all the time. I think that's one of the main reasons I've improved is I've been out there longer now and experienced new things and understand the world a little bit and how it works.

I keep improving and getting stronger, and I think I've done a good job in the last 12 months.



Q. Was there something in the last 12 months that was big on that learning curve?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah. I always knew I could play tennis really well. Even growing up I always had the desire to win. I think having played a lot of the matches and games against top players in the world over the last 12 months, I saw really where my level is and where I can be if I really work hard. There is no question it's paid off and I've got a long career a head of me.



Q. It would be nice to share all this attention. Is there anyone coming up?

BERNARD TOMIC: We have good kids coming through in Australia. We have the girl's side, as well, a lot of juniors coming through. Ben played here against John, and Duckworth played well against Janko. There's a lot kids all over the world. I was in that position one day, 14 and 15, you look up to your idols and in two, three years, there will be another kid 17, 18 that's going to be really, really good.

You know, it's just a matter of time. I think I did it at a young age and broke through. I can't stop here. I've got to keep pushing myself and working harder.



Q. Idolizing Federer, was there anyone match that sticks in your mind?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, 16 Grand Slams. (Laughter.) That's the only thing that comes to mind. It's a scary number. What he's achieved is unbelievable. I think nobody in tennis will ever achieve that.

In order to play him again is one of the biggest things. Now having played him before, I think I have an intense sense of what he can do and where he can hurt me, where he can't. I got to go out there feeling good and have a go and try to win.



Q. Do you think that players of your generation like you or Raonic are ready to win this tournament now?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, it's a big question. I think we can play well. And to win a Grand Slam now, you've got to beat three, four players in the draw that are the best tennis players in the world.

It's not like ten years ago where you had to beat one or two good ones. Now everyone can play and everyone in the top 50, 100 can play tennis. I think if you win seven matches in a row and have the confidence, I think it's possible.

But very, very difficult at this age 19, 20, 21, I think we go to battle and see. Maybe one of us can do it.



Q. How are you feeling confidence‑wise compared to Wimbledon?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, confidence‑wise really good. Grass is a different thing for me. I enjoy playing on grass and my game is suited more to grass. But confidence now, last three weeks, has been better than it's probably ever been.



Q. What will you do to prepare for Federer? Anything specific?

BERNARD TOMIC: I don't know if there is an answer to that question. Just pray to God. Maybe be sick or something. (Laughter.)

I got to go out there and have fun. Playing Roger, is an experience that I'll always remember. You know, hopefully I can play well and relax and have fun. I just have to go out there and focus, and I think I can have a good tennis match and who knows? Maybe win.



Q. Are you preferencing towards afternoon or evening?

BERNARD TOMIC: Doesn't matter, as long as there is no heat.



Q. Roger hasn't lost before the quarterfinals of slam in like six, seven years? Does it excite you, the possibility to be able to end that streak?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, it's a tough thing beat Roger, and to even think about beating him. Happy to know I got a set off him last time, and that's confidence there. I think for me to play him, I think in the first set if I get up and maybe win the first set, it's a very, very important key to this match.



Q. What do you see as your greatest strength going into that match?

BERNARD TOMIC: You know, I think I can get the balls down to where Roger probably can't use his backhand enough. He has one of the best forehands in the world.

You know I think I play really smart. Hopefully my smartness can make me win me a set or two, maybe even win. I can't guarantee. It's Roger.



Q. You sound almost torn about playing him in a way because he was such a huge hero for you.

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, we all are. He's a very hard player to play. That's why he's the best that's been in the sport of tennis. It's tough having the mindset to beat a player like that. I have to go out there and believe in myself.

I've got the crowd on my side, and that's all I can do.



Q. Do you think you will be 100%, because you have now two matches in five sets? After Verdasco you said you weren't fit for five sets, and you get another one tonight.

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I think I'll be okay. You know, better than the first round, because that heat was awful. I think I'll be okay. You know, hopefully we can have a great game when we play.



Q. You have mixed tomorrow. Thoughts on that?

BERNARD TOMIC: I haven't won a round in mixed never, so I'm going to try and win a round.

R. FEDERER/B. Tomic



6‑4, 6‑2, 6‑2



Q. What do you think you gained most out of that match tonight?

BERNARD TOMIC: Just another experience of playing Roger, and, you know, tough expectations to win.

You know, I had a few chances in the first set, and, you know, it's good to play a player like that and a player who is as good as he is and for me one of the best who has played. You learn a lot when you play him, and, you know, you just improve and see what he does and improve in your game.



Q. What was your game plan tonight to try and overcome him?

BERNARD TOMIC: To play a little bit aggressive, more aggressive. But, you know, I think the last few matches that I played I was a little bit more patient, and started to turn around and started playing aggressive all of a sudden.

I think I played pretty good in the first, you know, three, four games. Had a little bit of a bad game at 4‑All, and I think that's what cost me.



Q. How do you sort of say what you learnt most out of it then?

BERNARD TOMIC: It's very good experience to play a player like that. You know, I don't think there will ever be as good of a player as him. I think you can only learn what he does and take in what you learned. Last time I learned a lot of things when I played him, and this time I learned even more.

For me, it's a great pleasure and honor to play him. I think you learn a lot over the period when you play these top guys, top three or four guys. You can just only get better if you lose against him.



Q. Can you put it into specific areas sort of where it tells you where you need to get better as you get older to play these best players?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, it's not something like that. I think the top four guys are at a different level. From five, six on they're all beatable, but the top four guys have something special. That's why they've all won slams, and that's why Murray plays so consistent.

I think the rest, they are all beatable for me at my level. But the top four guys have something special, and Roger, for me, is very hard to beat.

I think I learnt a lot. It's good.



Q. What was different about tonight that you learned compared to Sydney?

BERNARD TOMIC: Ah, grass I have more chance against him, you know, my slices I can use a little bit more and the ball stays lower. Hard courts he's always in balance. The harder I hit it, you know, the ball comes back in a different corner and ends up always being a winner.

It's very strange. Never did experience my balls that I hit that hard to come back and to be a winner. It's good to watch, you know. (Laughter.) Even for me, you know, playing, I enjoy watching it.



Q. Seems like after a couple of his dropshots you shook your head and said, Wow.

BERNARD TOMIC: I don't know how he does it in that situation. I mean, the ball happens so fast, and to think to do a dropshot in that moment, too good, because I ain't running. (Laughing.)



Q. Do you feel like just playing Roger made you more tense in the game, or do you feel like you're playing your best? How did it feel out there against someone like Roger?

BERNARD TOMIC: It's tough to play your best against someone like that. He's not going to let you play good. Obviously he does something that ‑‑ you know, with a lot of players I can use my game. It's tough. I can't use my shots I way I need them against him. I can get over with a few, but it's tough to use it against him because he knows ‑‑ he's a little bit smarter and he understands where I'm going to go with.

He's such a good mover. He gets there and can move me, start moving me early. That's when I get a bit tentative and go for my shots.



Q. Did he say anything to you at all after the game?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, he said, you know, Great tournament, again, and work hard.



Q. How far away are you from the top 4 group? You mentioned there is that gap. Obviously to improve yourself you're going to have to beat them. How far away do you think you are?

BERNARD TOMIC: Well, that's a good question. I think, you know, it could be very soon. The next, you know, year, year and a half, if I improve my body and get stronger, I think I've done a great job of getting this physical.

I think I can get a lot more out of my body and, you know, I think it's about a year and a half I'm away from that group. But I think until then I can play great tennis this year and have a good year, and I think, you know, take my ranking to a good spot this year.



Q. Is it conceivable for you that one day you can be in that special group that you talk about?

BERNARD TOMIC: Absolutely. I think, you know, I having played all the top four guys now and Roger twice, I think there is a lot for me in the future.

Yeah, you know, I'm always going to get better and better. You know, looking back a year I was not as good as now. And, you know, now looking back to next year, I'll probably be even better.

That's a scary part for me because I know I can improve a lot.



Q. How do you put this tournament in perspective for how it sets up your year?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, very good. The last three weeks have been very good. Played with a lot of confidence, and I don't have any points to defend for six months.

If I play well, I think I can do a great job and push my ranking really good.



Q. You were ranked 37 coming here. Where do you think you stand at the moment?

BERNARD TOMIC: I'm just happy I don't have to defend any points for six months. I can play tournaments and play relaxed and know I'm just going to go up. Every match I win I go up.

So it's a great feeling knowing till Wimbledon I have no points. You can be seeded at the Grand Slam like the French and Wimbledon, and becomes a bit easier then for rounds to get through and not play the big names.

Once you do that, I'm ‑‑ you know, I think I'm now, you know, 50, 60 points away being seeded at Grand Slams. That's almost ‑‑ it's a great thing, I think.



Q. You said earlier in the tournament that fitness was something you can improve on. Is that something you will look at over the next couple of months?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah. I think I was pretty fit for this tournament. I played a lot of matches the last three weeks, and I've got a lot of confidence. You know, that first‑round win was huge for me. I never thought I could win that.

You just get a confidence and you learn. I think I'm doing a good job. I think I'm gonna play a lot of good matches this year and learn more. That's the way I think I'm gonna improve.



Q. Would it be fair to say, with all respect, did you feel like a teenager out there tonight? Was it sort of like man versus boy to an extent?

BERNARD TOMIC: Well, now I know when I'm sitting at home and he makes Davydenko look like it's nothing. You know, you see these players lose 6‑2, 6‑1 to him, and, yeah, there's nothing you can do.

Like I said, I played pretty decent at times, but when I played well at times, he just played better and there was nothing I could do. He broke my confidence down.



Q. It has been a very exciting week for the Australians, both yourself and Lleyton. Now it is just down to Lleyton. How would you describe the run that he's been on and the challenge now that lies ahead tomorrow night?

BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah. Well, we have done a good job to get to the fourth round. It's good for Lleyton that he finally played a good tournament in so long. He's feeling confident now, and he's playing the best player in the world.

He got to step out there giving it a go like I did. And, you know, who knows? It's tough for him to win that match against Novak, but, you know, he will have the crowd on his side. You know, he will try his heart out, and we all know that.



Q. Can you talk about your partnership with Qantas? Will you be announcing anything in the next couple of days?

BERNARD TOMIC: What, with Qantas?



Q. Yeah.

BERNARD TOMIC: About what? (Laughter.)



Q. Your dad's wearing the cap and you're in their ads wearing a Qantas shirt.

BERNARD TOMIC: I'm an ambassador now for Qantas, and I guess it's the role for the next two years. I'm proud to be with them. They're a great company, so what more can I say?