Australian Open 2026: Bernard Tomic knocked out of qualifying by Arthur Fery

Bernard Tomic’s Australian Open main draw drought has continued after the 33-year-old was bundled out in the second round of qualifying.

The former world number 17 was no match for Britain’s Arthur Fery who secured the 6-4. 6-2 second round victory to move one step closer.

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Tomic booked his spot in the second round of the qualifiers after defeating Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien 6-3, 6-3. But it wasn’t to be on Wednesday for the divisive Aussie.

The loss on 1573 Arena means it will be the fifth straight time at his home grand slam that he has failed to feature in with his last appearance coming back in 2021 when he reached the second round.

Tomic had his moments in the opening set, withstanding multiple break point attempts to hold serve.

But Fery tightened his grip in the second and proved far too strong for his opponent as he raced away to clinch victory after 68 minutes.

Despite the defeat, Tomic will depart Melbourne Park with $57,000 in his pocket after the prize money for the Australian Open rose by 16 per cent in 2026.

The loss is the latest speed bump in Tomic’s hopes of returning to the top 100, but not one that will stop him as he aims to achieve the goal.

After falling all the way to being ranked 835 in the world in late 2022, Tomic has climbed back to now being 184 in the standings.

The Aussie has been putting in the hard yards grinding on the ITF Tour.

Last year, Tomic competed at a staggering 35 events on several continents, and even forewent an opportunity to secure a drought-breaking title, forfeiting so he could fly to the US to try and qualify for the US Open.

When discussing his career resurgence last year, Tomic told the Changeover podcast that his goal is again to crack the top 100 and try to fulfil his potential, so he can one day retire without regret.

“Tennis has become part of my life ever since I was seven. Obviously, I had a dad that pushed me extremely hard, and that’s one of the reasons I got there, in a sense,” Tomic said last year.

“But when you look at this whole picture, now that I’m 32, it’s a purpose. It still gives me something to do. Without tennis, I don’t know what I would do.

“I’m sitting about 200 in the world, or whatever, and my goal is to be top 100, and then I can retire. It’s more of a statement, that sort of thing, so let’s see if I can do it.

“But the whole sort of sense you’ve got to find your purpose, something that gets you going now that you’re older, you want something to give. And it’s about tennis.

“It’s the only thing I’m good at. I’ve been good at it for almost three decades, so it gets me going. I can still play decent. I’m not in my prime like I was … but that’s why I’m challenging myself to get back there one more time. And then retire happy, guilt-free.”

Despite missing out on qualifying for the Australian Open, Tomic’s rise will continue throughout 2026.

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