Bernard Tomic’s hope of a first Australian Open main draw appearance in five years has been abruptly ended with a thumping loss in the second round of qualifying.
The former world No.17, on the comeback trail after years of injury and form concerns, was soundly beaten in straight sets 6-4, 6-2 by British qualifier and world No.185 Arthur Fery.
It means the controversial Australian hasn’t featured at his home grand slam since reaching the second round back in 2021.
In front of a strong pro-Tomic crowd at Melbourne Park, Fery wrapped up victory in just an hour and eight minutes, with Tomic producing 21 unforced errors and winning less than half of his second-serve points.
In the process, the Briton reached the third and final round of qualifying, with another win to secure him a main draw berth at the Australian Open.
Tomic’s loss continued a mixed day for Australian qualifiers, with James McCabe, Elena Micic, Olivia Gadecki and Lizette Cabrera all bowing out.
However, Dane Sweeny has progressed with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Swiss opponent Jerome Kym.
At the Adelaide International, Thanasi Kokkinakis’ hopes of an Australian Open appearance have been dealt a blow, pulling out of the tournament before his second-round match with a shoulder issue.
Kokkinakis was noticeably hampered during his thrilling three-set win over American Sebastian Korda in the first round, his first singles match on tour in more than a year.
But after candidly revealing post-match he ‘thought about stopping’, he pulled out of his second-round clash with Valentin Vacherot.
“Very sad to have to pull out of my favourite event,” Kokkinakis, a proud South Australian, said in a post to Instagram.
“Unfortunately my arm isn’t quite ready yet after missing a year off.
“The support is always incredible and love playing here. See you next year @adelaide international”
The untimely injury blow leaves Kokkinakis’ participation in the Australian Open, where he has qualified for the main draw via a protected ranking while also partnering Nick Kyrgios in the men’s doubles, under a significant cloud.
The 29-year old has never been beyond the second round at Melbourne Park, famously losing a five-set thriller to Andy Murray in 2023 in a five hour, 45 minute match that ended at 4am – the latest ever finish at the Australian Open.
The Roarhttps://www.theroar.com.au/2026/01/14/tomics-aus-open-dream-ended-by-qualifying-thrashing-as-kokkinakis-makes-sad-injury-call/Tomic’s Aus Open dream ended by qualifying thrashing as Kokkinakis makes sad injury call
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