Tennis news 2026: Bernard Tomic wins Lincoln Challenger; John Millman interview; Nick Kyrgios comparisons

John Millman has applauded Bernard Tomic’s passion and perseverance after the Australian veteran snapped an eight-year title drought on the ATP tour on Monday (AEST).

Eighth seed Tomic won the Lincoln Challenger event in the United States with a 4-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(3) victory over fifth seed Mark Lajal of Estonia.

The 33-year-old appeared to have the tennis world at his feet when he reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals as an 18-year-old in 2011.

But that remains Tomic’s best grand slam result as a rollercoaster ride - both on and off the court - ensued.

After lifting the trophy in Nebraska, Tomic said his success may extend his career.

“I’m going to be as honest as possible,” he said after the final.

“About 10 days ago, or even two weeks ago, I had a moment of doubt. I had said this year would be my last, so I guess I’ll have to rethink my plans.

“The start of the season wasn’t easy. I was away from the courts for a few months, I was lucky enough to welcome a beautiful daughter, and I was between 160 and 170 in the world rankings. So I needed these last few months to gain points.

“Just two weeks ago, I was thinking: ‘Damn, I think this will be my last year.’ And then everything started again, so it’s time to begin a new cycle. So yes… I’ll probably play another 20 years!”

The retired Millman is four years older than Tomic but mixed it with the teenaged prodigy growing up in Queensland and knows him well.

Nine analyst Millman admits Tomic hasn’t always got it right.

But he believes he is generally misunderstood by the Australian public and the tennis brat stereotype is wide of the mark.

“Everyone knew that he was extremely talented,” Millman told nine.com.au.

“But you could also see that it wasn’t easy for him growing up. He had his own challenges and from maybe a challenging upbringing, I actually think he’s turned out a pretty good kid. He welcomed his first child into the world, and I think that that changes your perspective, but I’ve only found him really pleasant to deal with.

“The Australian public probably don’t understand the pressure that he felt from a very young age. He was under a big spotlight because Australia was craving the next Lleyton Hewitt, so everyone was picking at every single thing that he did.

“And yes, at times he didn’t necessarily represent himself in the best positive light, but everyone makes mistakes, and it’s very easy to make mistakes when you’re a young kid. The whole nation is watching your every move, and he’s had to make his mistakes in front of the public’s eye.

“I think he’s a good person. I’ve seen him be very nice to tournament staff, tournament volunteers, and away from the spotlight is where you really get to understand the person, and you get to see those little things.”

Tomic’s drought-breaking triumph came in front of a sparse crowd at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

He earned $24,000 in prizemoney and a rankings jump to 170 in the world.

Millman says there is no reason why he couldn’t continue winning tournaments and crack the top-100 again.

“Once upon a time, he was probably forced into playing tennis because he was very good and John Tomic, his old man, was probably a bit of a tough taskmaster,” Millman said.

“But deep down, Bernie did love the game. He’s got a great feel for the game. He’s always been one of the best at reading the play, his anticipation levels are off the charts. He’s never necessarily been a great mover, but he was a great anticipator, so he could track down balls.

“If you’re winning these challenger events, that’s really the precursor to setting you up for a top 100 run. And when you get inside that top 100, he’s back playing on the courts of Wimbledon or Australian Open.

“I don’t see why he can’t because he definitely has belief, and that’s one of the toughest things in tennis, is actually having the belief that you do belong...

“It’s a huge ego check to play in some of these lesser tournaments and I don’t think anyone really expected him to do it for so long. I have a lot of respect.”

Millman saw some similarities with Tomic and Nick Kyrgios in how their careers had played out.

Kyrgios, 31, played doubles at Wimbledon earlier this month but he and Alexander Bublik were knocked out by the sixth seeds in the first round.

Last week Kyrgios beat Brazilian star Joao Fonseca 3-0 (16-11, 17-10, 19-11) at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown exhibition event in Rio de Janeiro.

“I know Nick very well and Nick might not admit it, but Nick’s a bit like Bernie,” he said.

“Deep down he really does love tennis. That’s the first step into trying to get back to playing some really good tennis. I think both those boys do love their tennis still, and Nick’s got to try to embrace that, but also get his body right.

“There are a lot of question marks over that.”

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