Tomic Must Risk It All Against Djokovic | Thebigtip

Whatever the result against Novak Djokovic, Australian Bernard Tomic has finally announced himself as a legitimate contender on the ATP tour, and has nothing to lose against a player who has only lost one match all season.

For all of Tomic’s impressive results so far at Wimbledon, It is more than likely that Djokovic could provide the 18 year old with a Tennis lesson when the two players meet in tomorrow’s quarter-final match.

Not that there is any shame losing to Djokovic. The Serb has won six titles so far this year, including four Masters events and of course, the Australian Open.

It took a master class performance from the great Roger Federer to finally end Djokovic’s 43 match unbeaten run – a streak that ended at the semi-final stage of the French Open.

Since that loss, Djokovic has resumed his winning ways at Wimbledon, although he did receive a scare against Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis in the third round, winning the match in four sets.

One of the primary reasons behind Baghdatis’ ability to cause problems against Djokovic was his ability to serve and play aggressively – something that Tomic must do if he is to stand a chance against the Serb.

In the third round, Baghdatis served more aces (14) than Djokovic and also hit more winners (40) than the two-time Grand Slam winner.

Like Baghdatis, Tomic’s game is based on his ability to hit clean winners, in particular from his forehand side, where the 18 year old looks most comfortable.

Although Tomic has showcased a capacity to force his opponents into unforced errors, such a tactic will not work against Djokovic. The Serb prides himself on keeping the ball in play, and will make Tomic pay dearly if the Australian begins to play with a complacent attitude.

Indeed one only has to look at how Djokovic completely dismantled Andy Murray at the Australian Open final this year to see how the Serb punishes opponents who are merely content with just keeping the ball in play.

Working in Tomic’s favour will be the lack of pressure on his shoulders. The Australian will not be expected to progress against Djokovic, but will be expected to at least go down with a bang.

While Tomic prides himself on his low unforced error count (he made just eight against Xavier Malisse), the Australian will have to take some chances against Djokovic if he is to give himself the best opportunity of causing arguably one of the great upsets of the modern era.