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By Chris Oddo

Tomic (August 17, 2012) -- Bernard Tomic was sent packing at the Western and Southern Open on Thursday by Roger Federer, and during the match ESPN's commentators waxed poetic about the 19-year-old's future. 

Play-by-play man Chris Fowler did the prompting, asking, will Tomic have enough success in the future to satisfy Australia's voracious appetite for a world-class, top-notch tennis star?

The answer, according to Gilbert and Arias, is maybe, maybe not.

"He has a lot of upside," said Gilbert. "He's definitely had a little bit of a sophomore slump this year, but I feel like there's time. He could make a lot of improvements in his serve, in his forehand, his movement, so I definitely think he has top ten potential."

Tomic had lost eight of nine matches entering this week's event in Cincinnati, but he put up a strong performance with wins over Ryan Harrison and Brian Baker before bowing out at the hands of Federer.

"My assessment when I first saw him a few years ago--he was No. 1 junior in the world--I actually hit with him and I thought 'I can't believe this guy will get in the top 100' because he hit the ball so slowly," said Jimmy Arias. "But what he does have is great court sense, great feel. He knows when to move in. He seems to have great anticipation. He's not the quickest guy but he gets to shots, and he's got such great control. I'm not going to quite put him in the top ten but I think he could be a solid pro for a long time."

Gilbert, Fowler and Arias talked about the nuts and bolts of Tomic's game, which made for some pretty enlightening commentary for those curious about Tomic's upside.

"He has a real quick action and doesn't use a lot of legs," said Gilbert of Tomic's not-quite-ready-for-primetime serve.

Arias agreed. "Yeah, you've got to load up a little more, but you're starting to mess with people's rhythm and the serve is a lot about rhythm, so it's not the easiest change," said Arias.

But Gilbert, legendary coach that he is, couldn't help drooling over the thought of Bernard Tomic ripping 135-mph aces.

"I see the size and that's the first thing [I notice, and want to fix]," said Gilbert. "I want to see you serving monster. That will add to your game more than anything."

Commentators also discussed the fact that Tomic hits his forehand better on the run than he does from the middle of the court.

Evidently, Bernard still has his work cut out for him if he wants to become a true force in the game.

(Photo Credit: Mark Corleve)

 

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