Australia’s Bernard Tomic has been fined his full Wimbledon prize money for not meeting the “required professional standard” during his lackluster 58-minute first-round defeat by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Australia’s Bernard Tomic has been fined his full Wimbledon prize money for not meeting the “required professional standard” during his lackluster 58-minute first-round defeat by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Tomic was docked the maximum £45,000 ($56,100) penalty for his limp performance in Tuesday’s 6-2 6-1 6-4 loss to Tsonga, the shortest men’s match at Wimbledon since 2004.
The world no.96 lost the first set in 18 minutes and the second in 17, winning just 47 points.
Wimbledon officials penalized Tomic for his lack of effort and professionalism after failing to chase down balls and appearing indifferent to the result.
“All players are expected to perform to a professional standard in every Grand Slam match,” tournament organizers said in a statement Thursday.
“It is the opinion of the Referee that the performance of Bernard Tomic in his first-round match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga did not meet the required professional standards, and therefore he has been fined the maximum amount of £45,000 which will be deducted from prize money.”
Not happy
In his post-match press conference following the defeat, Tomic looked like he’d rather be anywhere but there.
Slouched in his chair, avoiding eye contact and rubbing his face with his hands, Tomic was asked if he thought he might be fined.
Tomic’s response: “What for?”
The Queenslander said he played “terrible” and when asked if he was happy with the effort he put in, Tomic simply said: “Next question.”
Controversial past
This isn’t a first for Tomic.
In 2017, he was fined £11,500 ($15,000) — for telling a press conference he had faked an injury and that he was “bored” with Wimbledon following his first-round exit against Mischa Zverev.
Those comments also cost Tomic his sponsorship with racquet manufacturer Head.
Tomic can appeal against Wimbledon’s decision.
