After getting hit with a $US 15,000 fine for his poor showing at this year’s Wimbledon tournament, former young gun Bernard Tomic now faces the added indignity of being told off by his own dad in the press.
“He’s my son, I love him, but I’m ashamed at how he’s approaching his business – it’s not good what he’s doing,” paterfamilias John Tomic told News Corp, following Bernard’s ignominious exit.
The 24-year-old feigned an injury to get a medical time-out during his first-round match against Germany‘s Mischa Zverev, but this tactic failed to throw his opponent off, and he was knocked out 6-4 6-3 6-4.
In post-match interviews, he admitted he was “a little bit bored” throughout his time on the court, and found it tough to respect the sport of tennis or muster the ongoing motivation to continue playing at tournaments.
He was charged with unsportsmanlike conduct for his antics and copped the $US 15,000 penalty, the second-largest fine that the Grand Slam Committee has ever dished out.
The amount will be deducted from the $US 64,000 prize money he’s somehow still getting just for showing up.
In further comments to News Corp, John Tomic said that he feels his son has become “a little bit” too comfortable with his “easy life” after past successes, adding:
“I do not support such behaviour, especially at a unique grand slam like Wimbledon. You have to have respect and follow the rules. You have to work hard. You have to put in 100 per cent and challenge yourself.”
Bernard himself remains unapologetic and plans to appeal the fine, telling the media:
“I worked 10 hours a day with my father, having no money in our life from the age of eight to 15. We were driving a $500 car to now having millions and earning millions at 24, having houses all over the world.”
Tomic’s racquet sponsor Head also walked away in the wake of the incident. In a statement announcing their decision, the company said that his statements do not reflect their values of professionalism and passion for tennis.
Source: News Corp.
Photo: Michael Dodge / Getty.
