AIX-EN-PROVENCE, May 10, 2018

Bernard Tomic has advanced to the stage of the final eight at a professional tennis tournament for the first time since Eastbourne in June last year. The 25-year-old Australian edged past French wild card entry Johan Tatlot 6-4, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals of the €127,000 Open du Pays d’Aix.

The controversial tennis hotshot capitalized on five of his six break point opportunities to secure victory in just under one hour of play. Earlier this year, Tomic became the first contestant in Australian “I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!” history to quit the show, bailing after just three nights in the South African jungle. His focus seems to be back on tennis now and he will next take on Italian qualifier Gianluca Mager.

Fellow Australian and tournament’s top seed John Millman also booked his spot in the quarterfinals. The World No. 70 from Brisbane defeated Constant Lestienne of France 6-2, 6-2. Millman won 60 per cent of the total points played to prevail after one hour and 14 minutes. Next up for Millman will be Germany’s Ocar Otte, who rallied past Sebastian Ofner of Austria 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in one hour and 34 minutes.

Photo Gallery (by Brigitte Urban)