MELBOURNE: Rising Australian star Bernard Tomic was confident of breaking the top 100 on Saturday after pushing world number one Rafael Nadal on the Australian Open's big stage. The 199th-ranked Tomic, 18, broke Nadal twice and was far from disgraced in losing 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 to the nine-time Grand Slam champion, who applauded him from the court.
The tall right-hander held his own in rallies with Nadal and showcased an imposing forehand, and later said he had learned some valuable lessons.
"I'm happy the way I played," he said. "You know, I've learnt a lot.
"I played a wonderful match. The experience that I had, it was great today.
"I played really good in that second set, felt really good. I'm happy with where my level was and where I need to improve."
Tomic said the performance only reinforced his belief that he can crack the top 100 on the back of a heavier playing schedule this year.
"I think absolutely, if I play well, you know, I'll definitely be in the top 100," he said.
"If I'm healthy during the year and I play a lot of tournaments, there's no doubt about it, I can break the top 100."
Tomic, who admitted he struggled to sleep the night before the match and described the Spaniard as a "machine", said he also appreciated some wise words of advice from Nadal after the match.
"He said 'very good play, keep working hard in the future'," Tomic said.
"That's something I'll take from a player like that. He's a true champion and it's very nice to get that advice from him."
