'I feel like I'm 34': Tomic jokes of decade of mediocrity

A '34-year-old' Bernard Tomic has joked that he's setting himself up for another dozen years of two or three wins at the Australian Open.

British opponent Dan Evans downed Tomic 7-5 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-3) in the third round on Friday but the Australian was in a jovial and philosophical mood following the loss.

Asked to sum up his week, Tomic said he couldn't have done much more for himself.

"Well, solid. I reached the third round, once again I played very well and lost to a quality opponent," he said.

"I think I'm gonna stick to making another 12 years of third round, fourth round here."

'COMPLETE IDIOTS': Dan Evans condemns Tomic's box

The 24-year-old has now competed at nine Australian Open tournaments without progressing past the fourth round.

Bernard Tomic. Pic: Getty

The well-rounded Tomic speaking to journalists on Friday night was a far cry from the baby-faced Tomic who said he was playing "past my bedtime" after a 2am finish as a 17-year-old at the 2010 Australian Open.

"It's my ninth Australian Open, I'm 24, which is tough to think," he said.

"I feel like I'm 34. It's amazing, you know. I actually feel like I'm 34, but I'm 24. Nine Australian Opens, I can't believe it as well.

"It's been a long nine years already, another 10 to go, jeez."

Tomic said he was satisfied with his play but felt Evans lifted on "the big points" in the tight three-set win.

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