David Goffin of Belgium made sure that the wildcard given to him for the Wimbledon 2012 Championships is well-deserved following a stunning win over 20th-seeded and last year’s quarterfinalist Bernard Tomic of Australia. With a relatively small stature of 5’11” compared to his opponent’s 6’5″, Goffin used all his skills and tactics to post a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory.
Goffin gained recognition during the Roland Garros 2012 tournament after reaching the 4th round being a lucky loser – meaning, he gained entry in the main draw despite having lost in the qualifying rounds due to a pull-out from one of the players. He lost in the fourth round to his idol – Roger Federer.
Tomic admitted during his post-match interview that he “slacked off a little bit” and he had to suffer the consequences of doing so.
“I have sort of slacked off a little bit and look what it’s costing me. It’s just strange. I mean, like on the way up I have been growing up playing and everything’s got easy. I’ve gotten to where I have won very easily. It’s amazing. Now you let the foot off the pedal and it’s costing you. It’s something I’ll learn,” he said.
Tomic said that this loss is a form of wake up call for him and that he will make sure that he’ll train more in order to finish the season in the world’s top 20. His loss in the first round this year would cost a significant drop in the rankings once the Wimbledon 2012 Championships end in two weeks time.
Goffin, on the other hand, was happy with the victory.
“When I started the match, I was a little bit nervous because I didn’t know how to play against him with his forehand, with the spin, different spin, you know, with his forehand.” Goffin said.
“On grass it was not easy to play. But, yeah, after one set I found my way to hit the ball. Then when I was feeling good in the second set. So, yeah, I’m pretty happy,” he added.
