“I’ll probably play another 20 years”: Bernard Tomic changes retirement plans after stunning Challenger revival

Monday, 20 July 2026 at 20:00

Bernard Tomic’s career appeared to be approaching its final chapter. Just two weeks before lifting the Lincoln Challenger trophy in the United States, the Australian admitted he was seriously questioning whether 2026 would be his final season on the professional Tour.

The former world No.17 had endured a difficult start to the year, spending months away from competition before returning to a ranking position around No.160-170. After once being considered one of tennis’ brightest young talents, Tomic found himself rebuilding his career far away from the biggest stages, competing week after week on the Challenger Tour.

But a title run in Lincoln completely changed the conversation. The 33-year-old fought back from a set down against Mark Lajal in the final, winning 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(5) to end an eight-year drought without a Tour-level or Challenger title and give himself a new reason to continue competing.

The victory was more than just another trophy. For a player who reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals, climbed as high as No.17 in the world and was once expected to challenge for Grand Slam titles, the Lincoln triumph represented a reminder that his best tennis could still appear. After the final, Tomic revealed that his perspective on retirement had changed completely.

“I thought this would be my last year”: Tomic reveals retirement doubts

Tomic was remarkably honest when discussing his future after winning the title, admitting that retirement had recently become a realistic possibility. The Australian explained that the combination of time away from tennis, becoming a father and his ranking situation had forced him to reconsider his plans.

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

Bernard Tomic won the 5th Challenger title of his career defeating Mark Lajal in the final (4-6, 7-6, 7-6)

“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.”

However, the strong results of recent weeks have given him a completely different outlook. After believing that the end of his career was approaching, Tomic now sees the possibility of starting another chapter.

“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,” the former world No. 17 added. “So yes… I’ll probably play another 20 years!”

Bernard Tomic’s Run to the Lincoln Challenger Title (2026)

Round	Opponent	Opponent Ranking	Score
R32	Darwin Blanch	No. 225	6-4, 6-7(7), 6-3
R16	James McCabe	No. 242	7-6(2), 6-4
Quarterfinal	Matthew Forbes	No. 939	7-6(1), 6-3
Semifinal	Spencer Johnson	No. 682	6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2
Final	Mark Lajal	No. 159	4-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(3)

A title that rewards persistence

Tomic’s latest success represents the reward for a player who has continued fighting despite a career that went in a very different direction than many expected. After reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 2011 and breaking into the world’s top 20, his career was affected by injuries, off-court controversies and inconsistent results.

In recent seasons, however, the Australian has embraced a different reality. Instead of competing regularly on the ATP Tour, he has travelled around the world playing Challenger and ITF events, collecting points and rebuilding confidence.

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Between 2022 and 2024, Tomic won five ITF titles, showing that his motivation remained intact despite being outside the spotlight. The Lincoln title marked his first Challenger or Tour-level trophy since 2018, when he won the Chengdu ATP title and the Mallorca Challenger.

The victory also provided a significant ranking boost, with Tomic climbing more than 30 places and moving closer to the top 150. More importantly, it changed his mindset. For years, Tomic’s career has been defined by the gap between his immense talent and his results. Now, at 33 years old, he is no longer chasing the expectations that surrounded him as a teenager. He is simply chasing more opportunities.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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