Tomic defends Claro Open title in Colombia

BernardTomic - Cropped

Bernard Tomic let his tennis do the talking on Sunday as the Australian defended his Claro Open crown with a 6-1 3-6 6-2 victory over Adrian Mannarino.

The world number 29 had been in the headlines over recent weeks for his off-court antics, but he prevailed against Mannarino to make it back-to-back titles at this ATP 250 hard-court event in Bogota.

After his Wimbledon exit at the hands of Novak Djokovic, Tomic hit out at Tennis Australia, who he felt were failing to adequately support him.

His outburst included criticism of Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter, which cost him his place on the team, before he was arrested in Miami for refusing to leave his hotel room following noise complaints for playing his music too loud.

But Tomic showed further evidence of his on-court talent against Mannarino, clinching his third ATP Tour win in the process, while his opponent's wait for a maiden tournament victory continues.

Tomic made a superb start, two breaks of serve helping him reel off five successive games en route to taking the first set.

World number 33 Mannarino showed his fighting qualities, however, securing a double break of his own in the second to send the match into a decider.

The third set saw Tomic save three break points to hold for a 2-1 lead and that was to prove crucial as, from 2-2, the Australian won four games on the spin to clinch victory and earn some positive headlines.

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