Aussie star continues to struggle to stay in the top 50 players in the world.
Australia’s Bernard Tomic has fallen back on a wildcard entry to make the rankings cut-off and defend his only ATP Tour title in Sydney in January.
Tomic’s 51 ranking fell just outside the cut-off point of 49 for the men’s field at the Sydney International from January 5-11.
But organisers said they issued Tomic their first wildcard this week, ensuring the 21-year-old can attempt to repeat his tournament victory from early this year, when he won through to beat South Africa’s Kevin Anderson in the final.
Tomic will have his work cut out against a field headed by world number five Juan Martin Del Potro, Wimbledon semi-finalist Jerzy Janowicz, world No.13 Nicolas Almagro, No.16 Fabio Fognini and former champions Jarkko Nieminen and Dmitry Tursunov.
Tomic said he is set to name his new coach within the next fortnight.
Australia’s top-ranked male tennis player has been on the lookout for a mentor to replace his father John, suspended from the ATP Tour indefinitely following his assault on Tomic’s former training partner Thomas Drouet in May.
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