NewsBite

Public outrage at ‘bored’ tennis brat Bernard Tomic’s behaviour

BERNARD Tomic’s pitiful Wimbledon performance and post-match whining have sparked public outrage and calls for the tennis brat to come to grips with reality.

Bernard Tomic’s post-match whining has sparked public outrage.
Bernard Tomic’s post-match whining has sparked public outrage.

BERNARD Tomic’s pitiful performance and post-match whining at Wimbledon have sparked public outrage and calls for the tennis brat to come to grips with reality.

BERNARD TOMIC ADMITS FEIGNING INJURY AND BEING ‘BORED’ DURING FIRST-ROUND WIMBLEDON LOSS

Tomic was bundled out of Wimbledon in embarrassing fashion as Australia this week slumped to its worst start to the grand slam tournament since 1938: no men qualified for the second round.

But it was the Queenslander’s confession that he was “a little bit bored” and “just couldn’t find any motivation’’ on the grandest stage in tennis that most riled both fans and greats of the game.

RON REED: HAVE A CRACK OR GET OUT, BERNIE

ANDREW BOLT: HONEST TOMIC IS BRUTALLY MODERN

Tomic earned $65,000 for his embarrassing 84-minute straight-sets defeat. That’s more than $761 a minute, more than $901 for each of 71 winning points, or $387 per point.

Hardworking Victorians said Tomic was out of touch.

Forklift driver Haydn Wilkinson, 26, was “appalled” that Tomic earned more in a match than he did in a year.

Aussie battlers Rachelle Shanks, 25 and her partner Haydn Wilkinson, 26, don’t appreciate Bernard Tomic’s recent comments. Picture: Jake Nowakowski
Aussie battlers Rachelle Shanks, 25 and her partner Haydn Wilkinson, 26, don’t appreciate Bernard Tomic’s recent comments. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“I earn $50,000, and I work hard,’’ he said. “He’s just in it for the money, and his attitude is embarrassing.”

Mr Wilkinson’s partner, ­Rachelle Shanks, said Tomic’s behaviour appalled her. People her age toiled hard to make money while he was rewarded for poor performance, she said.

“I’m studying to be a nurse and struggling to find casual work,” she said. “I want to work really hard.”

By contrast, Tomic found it “tough to find motivation’’.

“I don’t know why, but, you know, I felt a little bit bored out there,” he said.

He admitted not respecting the sport enough but said he could succeed because he was “super talented”.

“I couldn’t care less if I make a fourth-round US Open or I lose first round — to me, everything is the same. I’m going to play another 10 years, and I know after my career I won’t have to work again.”

Bernard Tomic’s post-match whining has sparked public outrage. Picture: AP
Bernard Tomic’s post-match whining has sparked public outrage. Picture: AP

Grand slam legend Martina Navratilova said Tomic was “disrespectful”.

“If you can’t get motivated at Wimbledon, it’s time to find another job,” she said.

Former Aussie Wimbledon champ Pat Cash said: “A lot of ex-players are cringing.”

Aussie six-time grand slam doubles champion Rennae Stubbs said Tomic was “an embarrassment” to himself, the sport, and Australian tennis.

Tomic has only two sponsors left — Nike and tennis racquet company Head — after Medibank dumped him in 2013, as did his management company IMG in 2014.

Melbourne University psychologist Brent Coker said it was likely his two sponsors were reconsidering.

“If an athlete is behaving in a way that could reflect negatively on the brand, then that is certainly enough for them to investigate ways to terminate that contract,” he said.

peter.rolfe@news.com.au

@rolfep

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/public-outrage-at-bored-tennis-brat-bernard-tomics-behaviour/news-story/c353809c110b0dbb64b91202b781bf4b