Tennis 2023: Venus Williams list Bernard Tomic as one of her favourite players

Venus Williams had listed Bernard Tomic as one of her favourite players right now, even though the 30-year-old is languishing on the ITF circuit.

Currently World No. 435, Tomic was not given a way into the Australian Open despite being higher ranked than some of the players who were given qualifying wildcards.

Instead he went to Qatar, where he lost in the final in one tournament, pulled out in the semi-finals of the second, and retired in the second round of a tournament in Kuwait after claiming a 6-0 6-0 win in the first round.

Although he’s no languishing a long way from the limelight, fans eyebrows were raised when it was spotted in Venus Williams’ bio that Tomic was one of her “favourite players now.

Williams’ bio lists legend Pete Sampras, Boris Becker and Monica Seles as her favourite players growing up, while her favourite players right now are Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Gael Monfils and Tomic.

Considering Serena and Federer are retired, Nadal and Monfils are injured and Tomic is languishing in the 400s points to the entry being written some time ago but Tomic was honoured be in the list.

“Such an honour @venuswilliams thank you,” he posted on Instagram on Tuesday morning.

The controversial 30-year-old Queenslander’s ranking dropped to world No. 825 in August last year but he has rebounded somewhat, moving to No. 435 after three Futures tournament wins and a final to end last season and the final in Qatar to start this year.

And fans were perplexed Tomic remained in the bio.

“Bernard Tomic??? That’s unexpected,” one social media user wrote.

Another said: “How about a Venus x Tomic mixed doubles at the next Wimbledon or AusOpen?”

Tomic, who reportedly didn’t apply for a wildcard but could still have been awarded one, told First Serve he would use the snub as motivation.

“I’m not expecting any favours. I’m going to prove my point and earn my way,” Tomic said on his way to Doha.

“I understand Tennis Australia has made their decision. It’s good to see the young tennis players getting an opportunity. I’m at a place in my life where I don’t complain anymore. I’m focused and I’ve been training hard. I’ll let my tennis do the talking. Last quarter of 2022, I won three tournaments and made four finals.

“This year is my year, if no one is going to help support me, I’ll get back to top 100 on my own. My headspace is very different. I’m in a positive environment, good people around me, I’m in a healthy, happy relationship. Now all there is to do, is get back to where I belong.”

Last season he said he’d “win Wimbledon” before the end of his career despite having lost in straight sets in qualifying to then-World No. 146 Roman Safiullin 6-1 6-4.

Days later he revealed he had contracted Covid.

He was then mostly known for his ongoing social media feud with Nick Kyrgios — who made the Wimbledon final and had the season of his life in 2022.