Tomic: One game at a time

Omnisports

January 13, 2016 10:05 AM

Bernard Tomic says he is on the road to recovery from illness ahead of his Australian Open round one match against Denis Istomin.

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Tomic said he was surprised how much was made of his withdrawal from the Sydney International with food poisoning but was happy to be feeling better ahead of the season's first major.

"I'm getting better. I almost feel 100% now," Tomic said.

"The weather's been very hot here. It's going to be a tough two days not just for me but all the players that play. It's going to be very hot."

Tomic said he was pleased to have the extra day's break with his opening match not until Tuesday, although he said he had to be prepared for trying conditions with hot weather expected for Melbourne.

"An extra day for me right now is the best thing. If it was a Monday start, it would have been a little bit bad for me," he said

"I'm really happy I got the Tuesday play, the bottom half is playing Tuesday. It worked out well for me.

"I'm ready. Training a lot in the Gold Coast in humid weather. I'm ready for the challenge, whatever heat it is.

"I have to be physically fresh and recovered before I step into this match on Tuesday."

The world number 17 said he had not set any goals in particular for the Australian Open.

"I think I have to worry about one match at a time. I played many times here in the third round, fourth round. I would like to go that step further," Tomic said.

"I have to take my chances. If I can win in a quicker time, get off the court as soon as I can, that would be a favour to me. If I can't, just try to win the match. "The most important thing to me, the first few rounds, is getting off the court as quick as possible if I can do that."

The Australian added he was happy with his draw, and felt he knew what to expect from Istomin come Tuesday.

"I prefer to step on court with him. I know his game. He knows mine," he said.

"I think head-to-head I'm 3-1 or 4-1. So it does me the favour. With this position being now being seeded, it gives you that opportunity of avoiding seeds."

Omnisports

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