Bernie Tomic Needs A Coach

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 11th October 2013

Bernie Tomic Needs A Coach

epa03531928 Australia's Bernard Tomic in action during his mens singles final against South Africa's Kevin Anderson at the Sydney International tennis tournament in Sydney, Australia, 12 January 2013. EPA/DEAN LEWINS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

Just a day after Bernard Tomic admitted that he now needed to look for a coach, other than his controversial father John, the greatest and most lauded of all Australian players applauded the decision of the 20 year-old from the Queensland Gold Coast.

Rod Laver has not enjoyed reading about all the off court incidents and hullabaloo caused by Father and Son Tomic and clearly doesn’t feel it’s good for the youngster’s chances of progressing in the game.

When asked whether he gets concerned about all the other incidents that have happened to the Tomics, like John assault on practice partner Bernard Drouet and Bernard’s run-ins with the police in Australia for motoring offences and brawling with friends, Laver said: “Well, I do.

“I don’t know too much about it other than the fact that his Dad is a problem when it comes to things that are going on,” said Laver. “Is he the coach or is he the person who makes the decisions? Does he make all the decisions for Tomic, who he can play and when he can play?

“If so, it creates a problem. If Bernard can’t be himself on the court, you’ve got to learn to win within yourself. You can’t go looking at the trainer or the coach and say, Well, what did I do wrong then? You’ve got to work out what you did wrong before it happens and be ready for it.”

Laver is insistent Tomic still has time to direct his playing career in the right direction and move back up the world rankings from his current position of world no. 51. “I think he still has a chance and there is certainly a potential there,” he said.

“He’s a baby in a way. Of course, he was good at 17. Maybe he needs maturity or something wasn’t on his side as a youngster. A lot of times you’re thinking too much of what your ability is. Sometimes you don’t try to bring all that out by practicing and working hard.

“I think he likes the game now a little bit more than maybe he did a couple years back. I saw him play at Wimbledon this year. I thought he played some great tennis matches there.”

Topics: 10sballs, Bernard Drouet, Bernard Tomic, John Tomic, Rod Laver, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News, Wimbledon