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My earliest memory involving Bernard Tomic is the feeling of surprise I felt on realizing that he was actually 6’5”. Having watched a few of his matches by then, he seemed to have a game not commonly seen on the circuit, and definitely not one associated with a ‘big, tall player’ – he didn’t have a powerful serve, booming groundstrokes, or the aggression to kill.
Instead, this kid specialized in crafty rallies and unexpected changes in pace, and had a unique forehand touch shot which could be patented as a ‘Tomic trademark’. As a physically towering player known for variety and skill more than pace and penetration, he remains a special one-off. Tomic seems to have a body overdeveloped for his game.
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In the years since he appeared on the international stage, Tomic has managed to confound us with his antics on a tennis court, but even more so, off it. He has been dogged by accusations of tanking, incidents of disrespect shown to fellow players, and getting into trouble with the law.
The shadow of his father/coach John Tomic looms large over most of these episodes, and over time, things only seem to have got worse. In contrast to his body, Tomic seems to have a mind underdeveloped for his game.
The latest in the Bernie saga comes from his former practice partner Thomas Drouet, in a tell-all revelation to the Australian press about his seven-month stormy working relationship with John and Bernard.
Excerpts from what are now known as the Drouet Diaries can be read here and here. In stark lucid prose, Drouet narrates a harrowing experience of everyday life with the Tomics, filled with bizarre temper outbursts and abusive relationships. And it is important to keep in mind the context of Drouet’s opening up here.
John Tomic currently stands accused of physically assaulting Drouet in Madrid this year, resulting in stitches and a broken nose. The direct outcome of this event is the ongoing ban imposed on Tomic Sr. from ATP tournaments and the Majors. But even accounting for the deliberately antagonistic objective behind the Drouet Diaries, they nevertheless provide an insightful glimpse into the back-story of a tennis prodigy and, what seems to be by all indications, a dysfunctional relationship with his father.
A few things stand out in Drouet’s account. John Tomic comes across as a volatile parent who is not above raising his hand against his son. His need for discipline clashes with his desire for absolute control. When that control is in danger of slipping away, it leads to ugly confrontations and tense scenes.
John Tomic
John Tomic has always been known for his outspoken nature, but in Drouet’s words, he comes across as uncouth, rude and disrespectful towards people. An inordinately high level of penny-pinching is also emphasized, which can perhaps be seen as a remnant of the typical immigrant’s financial insecurities.
Bernard comes across only marginally better in Drouet’s account. John’s influence seems to have seeped into Bernard, leading to unpredictable temper tantrums and mood swings. This leads to tanking scenarios in tennis matches, or occasions where Bernard operates at ‘50%’.
Tomic Jr. is painted as a kid with good intentions, but no resolve. He wants to be a ‘professional’ player, but cannot commit to the fitness regime required to succeed at the top. He wants to focus on his tennis, but cannot resist the party binges. In the Diaries, John is portrayed as a toxic influence impeding the development of his son.
After reading the account, the fact that most amazes is that Bernard Tomic is still ranked No. 50 in the world. For all the distractions and turmoil he is going through in his personal life, he still remains an elite player in this ultra-competitive era of men’s tennis. This is a testament to, more than anything else, Bernard’s natural skills and competitive flair.
It is also interesting evidence to show that the impact of pure talent (or genius, to use hyperbole) on a tennis player’s results can never be understated. In an age where we celebrate the likes of Nadal, Djokovic and Murray for their fitness levels, unwavering dedication and bull-headed discipline, Tomic provides a stark counterpoint for what is possible with a natural aptitude for the game alone. The obvious question follows, therefore: where would this talent take him if he just managed to clear his head and put his nose to the grindstone?
It’s unclear at this point whether we will we ever get to know the answer to that question. We do know Bernard still has time. For all his colourful history, he is still only 20. He won his first ATP title in Sydney this year, which ties him with Roger Federer for number of titles at the same age. And just last weekend, he played a key role in Australia beating Poland away, and qualifying for the Davis Cup World Group.
Many people (including Drouet) believe that for his continued growth as a tennis player, Bernard will need to severe all professional, maybe even personal, relationships with John Tomic. But is that really so obvious a solution? How do we, as outsiders, know anything about the dynamics of his relationship with his father? The familial ties that seemingly bind him down may also be life-giving in different, unexpected ways. An overview of Tomic’s most recent results after the enforced ban of Tomic Sr. at his matches do not indicate any perceptible spikes (or troughs) in performance.
Perhaps Bernard Tomic is the only person who can answer the question. And we hope he does it soon, because his game, much on the lines of his less desirable lifestyle, provides a radical contrast to the rest of the men’s game.
There have been notable incidents on the tennis court when Bernard himself has expressed his frustration with his father and even asked for him to be removed from the stadium. But even in those moments, the complicated nature of their relationship comes to the fore.
Perhaps Bernard himself expressed it best while venting his frustration to the chair umpire in the middle of a match at the Miami Masters. “He’s annoying – I know he is my father but he is annoying me,” Tomic was heard complaining plaintively. “I want him to leave, but how is that possible?”
