Bernard Tomic admits he had to step away from tennis to regain his passion for it, as he looks to make a bold comeback to the Australian Open.
The 33-year-old has moved a step closer to a spot in the Open main draw after an entertaining straight-sets win on Monday evening.
The controversial Aussie star proved too strong for Hugo Dellien, taking out the first-round match 6-3, 6-3 to advance to the next stage of qualifying.
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Now just two wins away from qualifying for the Australian Open for the first time since 2021, a now veteran Tomic spoke candidly about his need for a fresh start, saying he "sort of left the sport a bit mentally".
"I needed to (leave tennis)," he told reporters.
"The sport was really tough for me, and I was not the best person to cope with it mentally.
"So I figured out a way to just like, you know what … I wanted to see if I can challenge myself and get back to the top 100 from 900 (ranking) at that stage. It's still going to be tough. Let's see if I can do it, huh? That's my goal."
Tomic is now ranked No.187 on the ATP circuit.
Tomic got the modest crowd in Melbourne fired up early with a couple of big aces in a row from his opening service game against the little-known Bolivian.
He forced Dellien into a tricky first service game of his own, taking the advantage twice but failing to earn a break due to some unforced errors.
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But with the ball was on his racquet, Tomic looked a class above and produced some quality tennis, including a stunning rally where it looked like Dellien was going to steal it.
Tomic added that his other goal is to qualify for another grand slam, after spending most of 2025 in the Challenger circuit.
"To have a bit of a run at a grand slam now. Maybe at Wimbledon or here," he said.
I know I'm still good enough to compete with these top guys. But it's just a matter of surface conditions. Everything has to lay out for me at this time, at this age … I'm having fun.
"So let's see if I can win a couple more matches here, huh?".
Known for his colourful personality and boisterous nature, the former Wimbledon quarter finalist was back in full flight on Monday.
After taking the 2-1 lead in the first set over Dellien, Tomic then sat courtside and asked if he could eat a banana, to which an official said he would go and get some.
Chants from one eager spectator of "here we go Bernie" were heard beaming across the 1573 Arena in the early stages as Tomic looked to build some momentum.
The encouragement from the crowd clearly made a difference as Tomic broke his opponent's serve and ended up cruising to a first-set lead.
Tomic's work at the net was holding him in good stead, hitting multiple volley winners.
At one stage, Tomic took his shirt off and swapped to a new piece of apparel as the chair umpire gave him the hurry-up, calling "time" while the Aussie was still changing.
Both players held serve early in the second set but once again it was Tomic who made the breakthrough, getting the fans in Melbourne to rumble behind him.
As both players walked off for a quick breather, Dellien was then spotted smashing his racquet in frustration as the match began to slip away from him.
With the second set still in the balance, young kids were heard screaming "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" as they rallied behind the local hope, before another fan led a chant.
"Tomic fans in the stands, if you hear me clap your hands," he yelled.
The former world No.17 closed out the set and the match with ease with Dellien on serve and will now continue surging towards the main draw at Melbourne Park.
