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<\/a><\/p>\nTomic, the 2009 US Open junior champion, hasn\u2019t featured in the Flushing Meadows main draw since 2017 and last played qualifying in 2018.<\/p>\n
But the former world No.17 has returned on a mission after aborting last week\u2019s delayed ATP Challenger final in Colombia to properly prepare for his main-draw shot<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Barranquilla decider, delayed a day because of rain, was Tomic\u2019s second final at that level in the month and could have been his first major title since 2018.<\/p>\n Often criticised for a perceived lack of effort and intensity, Tomic has knuckled down in the last two years to surge from a career-low 835 to at least No.167 when the next rankings are calculated.<\/p>\n In June he took two top-100 scalps, including compatriot Rinky Hijikata.<\/p>\n A US Open berth would be Tomic\u2019s first grand slam main draw appearance since he qualified for the Australian Open in 2021.<\/p>\n There are US Open concerns for Australian world No.79 Chris O\u2019Connell, who retired after losing the first set to Roberto Bautista Agut at the lead-up event in Winston Salem.<\/p>\n The battling Aussie withdrew from last month\u2019s Toronto Masters with an oblique injury and then didn\u2019t play in Cincinnati, before attempting a return this week.<\/p>\n Jason Kubler will meet Kyrian Jacquet in the second round after beating Brit George Loffhagen 6-4 7-5.<\/p>\n Australian women Olivia Gadecki, Priscilla Hon and Lizette Cabrera all won their first-round matches, while Destanee Aiava upset eighth seed Sara Bejlek, 6-4 4-6 6-4.<\/p>\n But Alex Bolt and Daria Saville both lost after four Australians had won first-round qualifying matches on Tuesday.<\/p>\n The qualifiers are hoping to join a dozen Australian direct entrants, led by men\u2019s world No.8 Alex de Minaur, and wildcards Tristan Skoolkate and Tahlia Gibson.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bernard Tomic exits rain-delayed final for chance to win $170,000<\/p>\n 3 min read<\/p>\n