Bernard Tomic returns fire at Aussie legend after ‘sad’ tanking accusation

Bernard Tomic has swiped back at an Aussie legend after he was accused of throwing in the towel in front of girlfriend Vanessa Sierra.

Bernard Tomic and Vanessa Sierra at the Australian Open.

Bernard Tomic was still swinging hours after he fell apart during his second-round self-destruction at the Australian Open.

Tomic delivered yet another memorable performance in his post-match media conference before making another early exit from Melbourne Park.

The 28-year-old appeared lifeless on court at times and clearly chose not to chase down some returns that came back over the net.

He was accused of failing to give his best effort by Aussie tennis legend John Fitzgerald after the match. Fitzgerald, Tomic’s former mentor and Davis Cup captain, said it was “sad” to see Tomic again fail to fulfil his potential.

Tomic responded to the criticism in typically blunt fashion in his post-match press conference, saying the comments were “harsh”.

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Bernard Tomic has not made it past the second round since 2018.

“He’s probably the worst commentator I’ve ever seen in my life, as well,” he said.

Despite his irritation at Fitzgerald, Tomic was humble in defeat.

He said: “I mean, there’s no excuse for me. The guy just played too good.”

Tomic was outclassed by No. 11 seed Denis Shapovalov 6-1 6-3 6-2 in just 107 minutes.

The Canadian raced through the first set in just 23 minutes. sounding the alarm that another tank was about to unfold.

Tomic won just 14 points in the entire opening set as girlfriend Vanessa Sierra watched on from the stands, sitting alongside Tomic’s father, John.

Fitzgerald was scathing when summing up Tomic’s performance at the end of the match.

“That was very disappointing. Bernard is a talent and he’s not fulfilling his talent and he’s not even close,” Fitzgerald said.

John Tomic and Bernard Tomic’s girlfriend Vanessa Sierra.

“That’s a shame. It’s sad for me.”

He said Tomic is not a grand slam player while his fitness and conditioning remains where it is. He can still stand and deliver, but he can’t move. He’s got the hands, but you need both,” he said.

“You can’t compete at this level without it.”

Tomic had showed promising signs when he won all three matches in qualifying to make the men’s singles main draw field of 128. But that form and effort was nowhere to be seen on Wednesday.