Bernard Tomic stretches for a backhand in his semi-final match against Jarkko Nieminen. Source: Getty Images
BERNARD Tomic's new-found steel has thrust the reformed youngster into the semi-final at the Sydney International.
Tomic battled back doggedly from a set down to defeat defending champion Jarkko Nieminen 6-7 (8-6) 6-4 6-2, and move a step closer to a maiden ATP Tour title.
Tomic's only other tour semi-final ended in defeat against Andy Murray last January in Brisbane.
Despite being below his best against the crafty Nieminen, Tomic, 20, will be a warm favourite to make the final after extending his unbeaten summer streak to six straight wins.
The 2011 Wimbledon quarter-finalist now boasts 17 victories from his past 19 matches in Australia, an imposing record ahead of his home grand slam beginning in Melbourne on Monday.
But this latest triumph was hard-earned.
"I was happy with myself to stay in there," Tomic said.
"Early in that second set, I felt like he was going for shots and was relaxing and for me to stay in there til that 3-all point was really big.
"After I won that second set, I freed up and played better tennis."
Tomic fought hard to recover from 5-2 down in the opening set, only to blow his own 5-2 advantage in the tiebreaker.
He had two set points at 6-4 and wasted his best chance on his own service when he overcooked a routine forehand.
Heartened by the reprieve, Nieminen continued to attack and was rewarded with the first set.
"I was very concerned after that first set," Tomic said.
Living on the edge, Tomic grabbed the sole break of the second set late on when Nieminen faltered trying to stay in it at 4-5 down.
The Finn's poor service game ended quickly when he put two balls in the net to allow Tomic back on level terms.
Despite his experience, Nieminen has converted only two of his 12 finals into titles and it showed as the left-hander capitulated in the deciding set.
He surrendered his second service game of the set and, rather embarrassingly, the one-time world No.13 shanked his second serve on match point.
AAP
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