One five-set epic later, Tomic marches into the unknown "I'm very, very happy with myself and the way I played today": Bernard Tomic. For a player who has developed a certain notoriety for not always finishing matches as vigorously as he has started them, Bernard Tomic is building an enviable five-set record. His next US Open opponent, British qualifier Dan Evans, noted as much when the Australian's gruelling win over Albert Ramos appeared headed for a decider. ""He'll probably pull through,"" Evans said of Tomic. ""He pulls through a lot of five-set matches."" Indeed. Six out of the seven Tomic has played, in fact, and both so far in 2013. Monday's 6-3, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 result was both a timely boost at the pointy end of an ordinary hardcourt swing and an important sequel to his regrettable fadeout against Andy Roddick at Flushing Meadows last year. Surprisingly, though, it will be Evans rather than 11th seed Kei Nishikori who awaits in the second round. ""Today I managed to turn it around. I dug deep and gave myself a chance, you know, as opposed to, you know, quitting. You don't get anywhere,"" said Tomic, who trailed by two sets to one and a service break against the 75th-ranked Ramos before advancing in just under four hours, then conceded he had been only a point or two from elimination. ""I gave myself a good chance. I'm very, very happy with myself and the way I played today."" He knows little about Evans, which is understandable, considering that the 23-year-old world No.179 from Birmingham was playing a Futures event in Wrexham - where? Yes, exactly - this time last year. And another, in Sweden, just a couple of months ago. Tomic's rise was far swifter, but has not been without its backward steps. Having already equalled his best US Open result, he will have to prepare, and play - again - without his coach and father, John, who is marooned in Manhattan after being denied entry to the tournament site after a headbutting incident in Madrid that remains before the Spanish courts. ""I'm managing now,"" Tomic said of the ongoing uncertainty over his father's situation. ""It's still difficult, but, you know, what can I do? I'm trying to play as best as I can play. The main thing now for me is just to keep improving ... ""I'm not looking where my dad is. Of course my dad is still on my side with me and that's an important thing, but, you know, I'm trying to find myself deep down inside and become the best player I can be. Each day is a new stepping stone for later in my career. I approach days differently now, so it's good.""