MELBOURNE - Bernard Tomic's explosive Australian Open start has convinced him more than ever that a top 10 ranking this year is achievable.
Tomic continued his superb Australian summer with the perfect start to his Open campaign, blowing Argentine Leonardo Mayer off court on Tuesday night in little more than an hour and a half.
The 20-year-old's 6-3 6-2 6-3 victory leaves him one of only three surviving locals in the tournament's second round, and comes just days after he won his maiden tour title in Sydney to lift his world ranking to 43.
Tomic admits he is enjoying the fruits of his improved commitment to the game — which coincides with Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter banning him from the upcoming tie next month because of previous problems with his professionalism.
And if he can continue that commitment and his current level of tennis, the Gold Coast player believes he can crack the world's top 10 by year's end.
"I think it's very achievable the way I'm going," he said.
"I'm going to have so many opportunities, and hopefully I can win more tournaments this year.
"It's just about me committing, and I was doing that. I'm so happy with myself and I feel like I can do it and reach the top 10 if I just do those things."