Aussie tennis bad boy Bernard Tomic has won his first title in eight years, taking out the ATP Challenger event in Lincoln.
Tomic did so after defeating Estonian player Mark Layal in a thrilling three-set final in front of a packed crowd.
After a ball off Layal’s racquet sailed long, Tomic raised his arms aloft in victory and completed the sign of the cross.
Tomic’s 4-6 7-6 7-6 championship match victory has seen him clinch his first tournament win in eight years.
His most recent trophy win before the win in the US came at the 2018 ATP 250 event in Chengdu, after he bested Italian great Fabio Fognini in the event’s final.
Tomic has now jumped up 36 places in the ATP rankings, and sits at 170.
Bernard Tomic (pictured) has claimed victory at the ATP Challenger event in Lincoln
The Aussie bad boy (pictured) is hoping to rise back into the world’s top 100 by year’s end
The 33-year-old is seen as one of Australia’s most controversial athletes.
He drew criticism back in 2017 after admitting he was ‘a little bit bored’ during his first-round Wimbledon clash.
His heavy loss, which occurred in just 58 minutes, also saw him fined for his perceived lack of effort.
The troubled star’s public image also took a hit after his relationship with Tennis Australia soured.
Despite his reputational ups and downs, he remains one of Australia’s most talented tennis players.
The Brisbane born player reached a career-high world ranking of No.17 in 2016 – and has reached the quarter finals at Wimbledon.
Fans have praised Tomic for his performance, with many hoping the win is the start of a comeback to the top of the game.
‘Gotta start somewhere. Now to see if he can make it in the first tier level,’ one said.
‘I’m glad for you, you’ve made lots of mistakes in your tennis but you continued on, well done,’ another wrote.
‘Well done mate. Hard work paying off. Keep going,’ one more said.
