Australian prodigy throws down the challenge to his more senior opponent.
Bernard Tomic believes he can “really give it to him” when he faces off against number six seed Tomas Berdych in the round of 16.
Tomic earned his spot in the current round of action after he put in a quality performance against seventh seed Richard Gasquet, dropping serve only once in a 7-6 (9-7) 5-7 7-5 7-6 (7-4) triumph.
However, the plucky Australia realises he has another tough task ahead of him in the form of the big-hitting Czech, who has wins over Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic on grass to his credit.
“It’s not easy because Tomas is very strong. He hits a big ball,” Tomic said.
“You’ve got to be ready. I think I can use what I have, you know, and really give it to him because I think if I play my tennis, he’s not going to like what I have to offer.”
However, Tomic says he is ready to take the next step fro rising star to genuine talent on the world game, with a second win over a top 10 seed to help his cause dramatically.
“I’m playing a guy now who’s been in the finals of this tournament before,” Tomic said.
“This guy can beat Federer, can beat Novak, can beat everyone. It’s not easy playing this guy.
“I’ve got to be ready. If that match comes across, it will be huge. I can’t think ahead of myself, especially playing against Tomas.”
Tomic reached the quarter-finals here two years ago, surging out of qualifying before losing to world No 1 and eventual champion Djokovic in the quarters.
“The main thing is I’m having fun,” he said.
“I’m trying to relax as much as I can.
“In the year 2011 I had nothing to lose, I really stepped up and played really good. Now I’m feeling very similar.
“I’m going to keep this up, relax on court, have fun, see where it takes me here.”
Tomic and Berdych have never contested a match for ranking points, but the Australian downed Berdych at the AAMI Classic at Kooyong last year.
The winner of the match will advance to the quarter-finals against either world No.1 Novak Djokovic or German stalwart Tommy Haas.
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