Bernard Tomic must lift his workrate if he's to reach his potential and make the world top 10, former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic says.
Tomic, who enters next week's Australian Open as the world No.17, put in a strong showing at the Brisbane International but again made headlines for the wrong reason after clashing with staff at a Gold Coast resort over a $20 court hire fee.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the World Tennis Challenge exhibition tournament in Adelaide, Ivanisevic said it would be a waste of talent if Tomic failed to break into the top 10.
"I always said that Bernard is a guy who should be top 10 a long time ago," he said.
"If Bernard can be serious like he's serious during these couple of tournaments in Australia ... (even for) half of the year, he'll be top 10.
"I don't know why he's trying 200 per cent only in Australia.
"He is such a talented player. He has a game that nobody likes. He's got much more serious ahead of the last year and hopefully he's going to improve more and more."
The comments echoed those of Roger Federer, who said on Saturday Tomic had not delivered the consistency necessary to break into the upper echelon of tennis.
"Many seasons now in a row we have seen or heard that top 10 is the goal, and he's missed out on it by a long shot," Federer said.
"I think before speaking so highly, maybe it's good to take it to the next level, whatever that is. We shall see."
Former world No.2 Ivanisevic, who became the first wildcard ever to claim the Wimbledon title in 2001, said he rated the chances of Tomic ahead of fellow Aussie Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open.
But with the men's field boasting the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Roger Federer, Ivanisevic said he could not see a first-time winner lifting the trophy.
Share
