Australia’s hopes for a return to on-court supremacy at Wimbledon were dashed earlier this week, as both previous US Open champ Sam Stosur and Bernard Tomic faced second and first round losses respectively at the prestigious Grand Slam tournament.
In another turn of events (in what The Sydney Morning Herald has dubbed Australia’s worst Wimbledon performance since 1939), the All England club has fined Tomic $2,500 for a match point tantrum that saw him completely destroy his racquet – the second one that day.
After losing to Belgian Benjamin Button wildcard David Goffin, Tomic – who is Australia’s highest ranked player – repeatedly whacked the grass court on his way to shake the hand of his competitor in a move that prompted Wimbledon officials to make a rare approach on a player.
Spokesman Johnny Perkins has called the incident “not really the behaviour we expect” on “two counts: one is it’s damaging the courts for the other competitors, and that’s probably the worst bit. And from our side obviously it’s not a great spectacle, and I’m sure Bernard thinks that as well; that with hindsight he wishes he hadn’t.“
The nineteen year old will compete with Lleyton Hewitt at the Olympics later this month alongside fellow hopefuls Stosur and her doubles partner Casey Dellacqua. Can’t wait for more on-court shenanigans/Serena Williams antics, y’all!
Miss you, Winning.
Photo by Julian Finney via Getty Images Sport
