JOIN USBernard Tomic's rapid rise into the top 50 at the tender age of 19 has created a tidal wave of expectation in Australia ahead of the year's first Grand Slam, but the rangy Gold Coast native is merely pleased he may have finally reached his full height.
Since grabbing the world's attention with his stunning quarterfinal run at Wimbledon as an 18-year-old qualifier, Tomic's ranking has soared to 37 making him far and away Australia's greatest hope in the men's draw at Melbourne Park.
The more vital statistic for Tomic, however, is 1.96 metres (6’5’’), the mark where his slender frame has stopped growing. This has allowed him to improve his court speed and pack on some muscle to compete with the brawny warriors that stalk the top 10.
“I am getting stronger and stronger. I've definitely stopped growing tall-wise, which is good,” Tomic told reporters at the Kooyong Classic on Wednesday. “You know, 6’3’’ - 6’5’’ is a good height for tennis, I think, if you can move well.”
“The best movers are all six-foot, six-foot-one, like Rafa (Nadal) and Roger (Federer). I think I'm moving good for my body. I can move better and I can improve more next year.”
Tomic, the youngest player to win a match in the main draw of his home Grand Slam, carries an extra three kilogrammes of muscle into Melbourne Park this year, tipping the scales at 92 kg.