Bernard Tomic has copped a savage as hell rejection letter from the Grand Slam board after he appealed their decision to fine him $81,000, his entire first-round prize money, for not playing to the “required professional standards” at Wimbledon.
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Tomic went down to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 6-2, 6-1, 6-4, in just 58 minutes. In his post-match interview, the 26-year-old admitted he “played pretty bad.”
In a letter, via The New York Times, Grand Slam committee board director Bill Babcock said Tomic’s historical record of misconduct at Grand Slams “provides little justification for an adjustment” to the penalty.
“In your case, Bernard, I am sure you would agree there is no historical evidence to give comfort to the theory that you can reform your behaviour.”
Oof.
Although, despite his blunt wording, Babcock did add that if Tomic does not commit any grand slam code violations in the next eight grand slam tournaments that he competes in, then the committee will refund 25 per cent of the fine.
“Admittedly, I am sceptical that you can achieve this reform of Grand Slam on-court behaviour,” Babcock wrote. “Many others, no doubt, would be even more than just sceptical.
“Good luck and I hope to be pleasantly surprised in the future by your successful reform.”
Again, oof.
Tomic told the Times that he will appeal the decision further, adding: “I don’t care about this 25 percent; I care about the right thing for players in the future.”
He also pledged to donate any money recovered to an Aussie charity.
