Rafter hails Tomic’s attitude at Davis Cup
Pat Rafter couldn't be happier with Bernard Tomic as they unite in the bid to return Australia to the Davis Cup World Group.
Warsaw, Poland, 11 September 2013 | AAP
Pat Rafter couldn’t be happier with Bernard Tomic as they unite in the bid to return Australia to the Davis Cup World Group.
Team captain Rafter says 20-year-old Tomic’s attitude is the best he’s seen it heading into the claycourt World Group Play-off tie against Poland in Warsaw starting on Friday.
Rafter also says there’s no signs to suggest the recent conviction of Tomic’s father and coach for assault will affect the world No.51 during the must-win clash.
After Tomic was dropped from the opening tie of the current campaign against Taiwan due to his attitude, he returned to play a starring role against Uzbekistan on clay in April, earning 28-time champions Australia another shot at returning to the competition’s top 16 for the first time since 2007.
Tomic again looms as crucial to Australia’s hopes in Poland and the way he’s approaching the tie has impressed Rafter.
“Bernie’s been the best he’s ever been, which is great,” Rafter told AAP. “We’re really impressed with how he’s been going.
“We’re all starting to understand each other a bit better and we’re all on the same page. It’s one of those ties so far where everything’s gone great.”
Asked to put his finger on what had changed with Tomic’s attitude, Rafter said: “I don’t know. He’s had to make the decision. He’s slowly maturing maybe so fingers crossed that’s the way it’s going.”
Tomic has endured a tough year amid the off-court drama surrounding has father, yet of more concern to Rafter was Tomic regaining his form on clay.
The youngster had a disappointing claycourt season, though he won both of his singles matches on the surface against Uzbekistan in Namangan.
The 20-year-old has an impressive 10-2 win-loss record in Davis Cup singles, with his only two defeats coming to Swiss legend Roger Federer and German Florian Mayer.
“He does get up for Davis Cup, I have to give it to him,” Rafter said.
“He’s got it done for us in the past and I’m hoping he can find a way here as well.”