Melbourne, Australia, 11 January 2012 | Matt Trollope

Australian men’s No.1 Bernard Tomic will take on big-hitting world No.7 Tomas Berdych in his first match at the AAMI Classic at Kooyong today.

Tomic, entering the match after an impressive semifinal result at last week’s Brisbane International, takes on a similarly-firing opponent in Berdych, who won all four of his singles matches at the Hopman Cup last week on his way to winning the title for the Czech Republic with partner Petra Kvitova.

Their match will follow the opening match of the day on Centre Court featuring Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Jurgen Melzer.

Tomic said at yesterday’s launch that although he didn’t yet feel as though he belonged among the big names taking part in the AAMI Classic event – an entry list that includes three members of the top 10 and a former world No.1 – he said hopefully he would soon.

And with his rapid rise up the rankings continuing since his run to the last four in Brisbane, Tomic may find himself belonging quicker that he imaged.

“There’s a lot of pressure going around, especially for me because I’m young. But I like to play tennis and enjoy it out there … I’m playing well and I’m confident,” the world No.37 said. 

“Wherever this year takes me, it takes me. I’m going to have fun and not really worry about where my ranking is, and that’s why I’m doing well and playing good. So that’s what I like to do and (with good results) the (high) ranking will come after that.” 

Tomic’s participation at the AAMI Classic will guarantee him three valuable matches in preparation for Australian Open 2012.

The event will be held at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club in Melbourne from 11-14 January.