BMW Open by FWU AG: Bernard Tomic starts tournament with BMW M Power.

Munich. Bernard Tomic launched his campaign at the 2015 BMW Open by FWU AG 2015 at full throttle. No sooner had the Australian arrived in Munich on Saturday than he was putting his driving skills to the test at the BMW Driving Academy in Maisach. After 20 minutes of instructions, the 22-year-old climbed into the BMW M4 Coupé and took to the 1.8-kilometre track. Tomic pushed the 431-hp BMW to its limits and was thrilled by the experience. The number 27 in the ATP world rankings is hoping to take that momentum into the BMW Open today. He faces quite a challenge in the first round taking on the former World No. 8 Janko Tipsarevic from Serbia. In the following interview, Bernard Tomic talks about his experience in the BMW M4 Coupe, his chances at the BMW Open, and his links to Munich.

Bernard, welcome back to Germany. You were born in Stuttgart. Do you still have links to Germany?

Bernard Tomic: “I was born here in Germany and moved to Australia when I was three and a half years old. So I am kind of half-German and was very happy when Germany won the World Cup last year. Australia went out early, so it was obvious who to cheer for. I even spoke a little bit of German when I was young, but unfortunately I have forgotten it all. However, it is always great to come back.”

In 2012, you made it into the quarter-finals at the BMW Open. Do you often come to Germany outside of the tournament?

Tomic: “I have often been to Munich, because Australia has a training base here where we prepared for Davis Cup matches last year and the year before. I also trained here ahead of Wimbledon and I know Munich very well. Munich is a beautiful city, and it is good to be here. I think it will be a very good tournament.”

How do you rate your chances at this year’s BMW Open? It is not an easy draw for you...

Tomic: “It will be a tough week. I am number 27 in the world, but I am seeded sixth for the BMW Open. With players like Andy Murray and Philipp Kohlschreiber, who has won the tournament twice, there will be stiff competition. In the first round I am playing Janko Tipsarevic, which is a really tough start. Two years ago, before his injury, he was number eight in the world. He will be right up for this match. We don’t quite know how he will play after the long break – but if he plays well it is going to be very tough.”

This year the tournament winner will be presented a very special award, a BMW i8. Is this extra motivation for you?

Tomic: „We all know, if you play in Munich or in Stuttgart, you win a car. But this the time, the fantastic BMW i8, this is something very special. I definitely like to be the winner, but the BMW Open is so strong this year, you just have to take one match at a time – and win five matches against the likes of Andy Murray.“

The BMW Open is a special tournament – what are you particularly looking forward to?

Tomic: “This tournament is indeed kind of different. In 2012, I thought everything was perfect. We had perfect tournament conditions, a very nice site and a beautiful city. So, for me, the BMW Open is a top tournament. I am looking forward to it.”

Let’s talk about the BMW Driving Academy and your experience today. Are you a petrolhead?

Tomic: “I definitely am, but I am not a very good driver. At least, that’s what I thought today. The instructor showed me some interesting stuff. It was my first day ever out on the track. I would like to do more things like this, it was great fun!”

But that was not your first time in a BMW, was it?

“No, not at all. I own two BMWs, an X6 M and a 335. I love BMW. These are cool cars and I think BMW is one the best carmakers. I would definitely like to have the BMW i8, so it would be awesome to win here.”

Not only did you drive the BMW M4 today, but you will also be able to drive one for the week here. What is the best thing about it?

Tomic: “I owned a BMW M3 some years ago. BMW has taken it to a whole new level with the M4. They changed a lot, the engine characteristics are different and the driving experience is even better. I’d say the M4 is 20 per cent better, so it clearly shows that BMW M has put a lot of work into it. Now it is up to me to start the tournament at full throttle.”