Bernard Tomic has put retirement plans on hold after producing a remarkable comeback to win the Lincoln Challenger, capping a week that could reignite the former world No. 17's career.
The Australian battled back from a set down to defeat Estonia's Mark Lajal 4-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(3) in a marathon final that lasted two hours and 41 minutes. The victory earned Tomic his first ATP Challenger title since 2023 and lifted him to world No. 170, his highest ranking in almost a year.
Speaking after the match, Tomic admitted he had been close to walking away from professional tennis.
"About 10 days ago I hit a bit of a brick wall. I said this was going to be my last year," he said during the trophy presentation.
However, the title has given the 32 year old fresh motivation to continue competing.
"Now that I won, I'm going to have to go back to the table. I'm probably going to play another 20 years," he joked.
Tomic's victory was part of an impressive week for Australian tennis on the ATP Challenger Tour.
Aleksandar Vukic also claimed silverware after winning the Championnats Banque Nationale in Granby, Canada. The top seed defeated France's Arthur Gea 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 to secure his first Challenger title since May 2023.
Elsewhere, Luxembourg's Chris Rodesch celebrated his 25th birthday by winning the Open Ciudad de Pozoblanco in Spain. He defeated former world No. 33 Ilya Ivashka 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(5) to claim his third Challenger title of the season.
Dutch player Guy den Ouden also lifted his third Challenger trophy, and his first on home soil, after beating Germany's Tom Gentzsch 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 in the Dutch Open final.
Spain's Max Alcala Gurri continued his breakthrough season with a dominant run to the Serena Wines 1881 Acqua Maniva Tennis Cup title in Cordenons, Italy. He dropped just one set throughout the tournament before cruising past Federico Bondioli 6-2, 6-0 in the final.
The victory lifted Alcala Gurri to a career-high world No. 181 and marked his third ATP Challenger title of the season, underlining his rapid rise on the professional circuit.
For Tomic, however, the biggest prize may not have been the trophy itself. Just days after questioning his future in the sport, the Australian has rediscovered the belief to keep chasing success on the ATP Tour.
