26/10/13 - 18:26

The Australian was unable to threaten the serve of his giant opponent, but Karlovic’s inability to convert break points late in each set proved crucial.
 
While Karlovic thundered down 19 aces, world number 52 Tomic converted 80 per cent of his first serves as he ground out a 7-6, 7-6 victory.

“I’m feeling good, I’m serving very well out there,” said Tomic “It was a difficult match. It’s not easy playing Ivo. He can beat everyone, we saw that when he beat Tomas Berdych in Basel.”

The 21-year-old has come under criticism for his lack of staying power towards the end of the calendar year and he admitted he needs to work on his consistency.

“I need to win back-to-back matches. I haven’t done that since Wimbledon. It’s very important for me to win this next match.”

The youngster has been tipped as a future top-10 player – a feat which he is also targeting – and he has a full off-season training programme already planned ahead of the Australian Open in January.

“I’ve got a lot to work on, like my movement, I need to get bigger and stronger so I can play well for the whole year. I know that’s my biggest problem. Next year I’m going to be as fit as I can be."