— With AAP.
Bernard Tomic has copped one of the heaviest fines in tennis history, being docked $AU80,460 (GBP45,000) for not giving his best efforts during a first-round loss at Wimbledon.
Tomic lost 6-2 6-1 6-4 to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 58 minutes – the shortest men’s singles match at the All England Club in 15 years.
The fine, which represents Tomic’s entire first-round prize money, was given as the tournament referee believed his performance wasn’t up to scratch.
“All players are expected to perform to a professional standard in every grand slam match,” a statement from the club said.
“With respect to first round performance, if in the opinion of the referee the player did not perform to the required professional standard, the referee may determine that the player be subject to a fine of up to first round prize money,” it said.
“It is the opinion of the referee that the performance of Bernard Tomic in his first round match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga did not meet the required professional standards, and therefore he has been fined the maximum amount of £45,000, which will be deducted from prize money.”
Following the first-round loss, social media users described Tomic as “pathetic”, “lazy” and “embarrassing”.
Tomic is expected to appeal, having denied not trying when grilled about his performance during his post-match press conference.
The Australian admitted he was “terrible” in falling victim to 21 aces from Tsonga, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist.
Two years ago, Tomic was fined more than $20,000 and dumped by his racquet sponsor after admitting he was “a little bored” and feigned injury during a similarly meek first-round Wimbledon loss to Mischa Zverev.
Top Comments
Some of my fondest childhood memories are staying up late watching the tennis with mum, yahooing and cheering in the glow of the TV set. Until the likes of Kyrgios and Tomic leave tennis and our televisions, my son's won't be watching any of their games with me. The behaviour and antics of these particular players are embarassing and go against everything we try to instill in our kids at their weekend sports. It sends all the wrong signals about sportsmanship, pride and gratitude. There are plenty of other sports we can watch together until these 2 get 'bored' enough and decide to move onto whatever else they think will make them happy.
Dude, just stop. If you don’t want to be there, then don’t. There are guys playing their guts out who would love to play at Wimbledon, if you’re not even going to bother, step aside and let them have a chance. And perhaps go and have a chat with a sports psychologist - or a regular psychologist - while you’re at it.
And, in the interim, suck on that fine.
Particularly if his claim that he doesn't need the money is true.
If he's not quite as wealthy as he claims (and gee, that'd be a surprise), then I doubt that he can do anything else that pays as well, even if he were trying harder.
Yep. Why would he bother changing his behaviour when he gets paid either way?