Tomic Delights Sydney with Maiden Title Win

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Tomic Delights Sydney with Maiden Title Win

By Erik Gudris

(January 12, 2013) -- After a roller coaster 2012 season that saw him battle more in the courts of law than on the tennis courts, Bernard Tomic starts the new year on a high note after winning the Apia International title in Sydney.

Tomic hoped to continue his recent unbeaten streak this month as he faced off against big serving Kevin Anderson of South Africa. Tomic got off to a good start early on as he jumped out to a 4-1 lead. Never facing a break point, Tomic closed out the first set 6-3.

The second set proved more of a battle though as Anderson began holding his own serve with ease forcing Tomic to serve to stay in the set several times. A tiebreak was needed to decide things and it was Anderson who kept up the pressure on the young Australian. A missed forehand return from Tomic gave Anderson the breaker and forcing the match into a final set.

World-class defense from Tomic during a 23-shot rally in the opening game helped fight off Anderson's hope to break the Aussie early on. At 4-3, Anderson hit a nervous double fault on break point to give Tomic the advantage. With a combination of good serving and a final errant groundstroke from Anderson, Tomic sealed the 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-3 victory and with it his first ATP Tour title.

With his title run, Tomic already began earning comparisons to some of the sport's great champions as he is the first Australian to win Sydney since Lleyton Hewitt in 2005 and also is the youngest player at age 20 to do so since Roger Federer won back in 2002.

Speaking of Federer, Tomic could possibly face him in the third round of next week's Australian Open.

With Ken Rosewall in attendance, Tomic thanked the crowd, his father and everyone for supporting him.

"It's an amazing feeling. It's been a long road and finally I've got one of these trophies. It took a while but thanks for having me by your side. Hopefully this is not the last tournament I can win."

In doubles, the Bryan Brothers kicked off their 2013 season with yet another title as they defeated Max Mirnyi and Horia Tecau 6-4, 6-4. It's the third Sydney title for the Bryans and their 83rd career title.

(Photo Credit: Getty)