Bernard Tomic’s memorable week continued on Wednesday after reclaiming Australia’s top ranked position in the ATP World Tour rankings.
Just days after leading the Aussie Davis Cup team to an inspired first-round win over 2012 and 2013 champions Czech Republic, Tomic moved to No.35 in the ATP rankings; a remarkable turnaround after dropping as low as No.124 almost a year ago.
On the back of a 16-6 record and five quarter-final or better appearances this season already, Tomic has sailed up the rankings and finds himself two spots above rising star Nick Kyrgios while closing in on his personal best ranking of No.27 set in mid-2012 as a 19-year-old.
Further down the rankings are Sam Groth (No.69), Lleyton Hewitt (101) and Thanasi Kokkinakis (124).
Without the injured Kyrgios, Tomic and Groth cruised past a Czech team missing stars Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek to advance to face Kazakhstan in the quarter-finals.
“It’s huge. I’ve never been in a position like this, playing to get into a Davis Cup quarter-final and it’s an amazing thing,” Tomic said.
Australia will have home court advantage when Kazakhstan visits Darwin in July.
Announced on Wednesday were plans to build a grass stadium court and two practice courts for the event on July 17 following the Wimbledon final on the 12th. The Northern Territory will fork out $600,000 for the recycled material construction.
“It’s a costly investment, but from a tourism and marketing point of view, and also sport development, we think it’s a worthwhile investment that will reap rewards for the Territory,” NT Chief Minister Adam Giles told the ABC.
“We know that people will come … that encourages economic injection, creates jobs and stimulates our economy.”
The Aussie side is excited about a rare opportunity to play in front of fans on home soil.
“All the boys are really looking forward to heading to Darwin for the quarter-finals,” Davis Cup coach Wally Masur said in a Tennis Australia statement.
“It’s been a long time since Australia has had the opportunity to play a home Davis Cup tie in the World Group and I know the people of the Northern Territory will be keen to support the team and spur us all on.
“Being able to play on grass in the middle of the Australian winter is an absolute bonus and will give us our best chance to progress to the semis. I’m sure the atmosphere will be incredible and we promise to put on a good show.”
Photo: Radek Mica/Getty Images.
