Bernard Tomic is making a surprising return to competitive tennis as he seeks a quarterfinal spot at the Mallorca Championships, set to face off against veteran Roberto Bautista Agut on Wednesday. This match marks a significant moment for Tomic, as he recently clinched an ATP-level victory for the first time since the 2021 Australian Open, defeating Rinky Hijikata in a three-set match. The 32-year-old Australian, ranked No. 248, will aim to replicate past successes, having previously defeated Bautista Agut on grass at Wimbledon in 2016.
While Tomic has shown flashes of his former talent, Bautista Agut, significantly more active on tour, currently leads their head-to-head series 2-1 and is in fine form. The 37-year-old Spaniard has demonstrated his grass-court skills this season, highlighted by a semifinal finish at the prestigious Queen’s Club, and a recent three-set win over Tomas Martin Etcheverry. His experience and consistent performance on grass are likely to give him the upper hand in this upcoming matchup.
In another second-round clash, American lefties Ben Shelton and Learner Tien will face each other for the first time. Ambitious Shelton, who continues to solidify his place in the sport with a respectable record, will rely on his serving power and experience to outplay Tien, who is still gaining experience on grass. Shelton comes into the match with an overall record of 8-9 on grass, bolstered by a strong showing at last season’s Wimbledon, while Tien seeks to build on his recent victories.
As both matches unfold in Mallorca, tennis fans are witnessing the mixes of experience and youthful energy, showcasing the dynamic landscape of the sport today. There is potential for Tomic’s comeback narrative to inspire, and the young talents like Shelton and Tien represent the future of tennis.