Wimbledon wild child Bernard Tomic dropped by sponsors Head as fallout continues

Tomic admitted that he was 'bored' of tennis in an explosive post-match press conference and was fined for unsportsmanlike conduct

Eleanor Crooks
Wimbledon
Thursday 06 July 2017 07:29 EDT
Comments
Tomic received a fine for unsportsmanlike conduct
Tomic received a fine for unsportsmanlike conduct (Getty )

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Bernard Tomic has been fined £11,567 following his controversial first-round exit from Wimbledon - which is more than the fine dished out to young Russian player Daniil Medvedev for throwing coins at an umpire's chair.

Tomic was beaten in straight sets by Mischa Zverev and then gave an extraordinary press conference, saying he felt "bored" during the match.

Tomic also admitted he called for the trainer even though he was not injured to try to disrupt his opponent's momentum - leading him to also be dropped by his sponsors, Head.

In a statement, the racket and sportswear manufacturer said:

"We were extremely disappointed with the statements made at Wimbledon by one of our sponsored athletes, Bernard Tomic. His opinions in no way reflect our own attitude for tennis, our passion, professionalism and respect for the game. Therefore, we have decided to discontinue our collaboration with Bernard Tomic."

His conduct also resulted in a fine of 15,000 US dollars (£11,600) from the International Tennis Federation, a significant chunk of his £35,000 earnings from the tournament.

The 24-year-old's level of effort has frequently been called into question, and he said on Tuesday: "I couldn't care less if I make a fourth round at the 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."

Tomic crashed out of Wimbledon in the first round
Tomic crashed out of Wimbledon in the first round (Getty)

The official reason given for Tomic's fine was unsportsmanlike conduct, with the same offence costing Russia's Medvedev 14,500 dollars (£11,200).

Medvedev had a number of disputes with umpire Mariana Alves during his five-set loss to Ruben Bemelmans in the second round and ended the match by throwing coins in the direction of her chair.

He expressed remorse afterwards and insisted he was not trying to insinuate that Alves had been bribed but his conduct cost him 7,500 dollars.

Wimbledon 2017: Daniil Medvedev throws coin at umpire after losing match

The remainder was for two offences during the match, including being docked a point after a heated argument with Alves.

Medvedev earned £57,000 for reaching the second round.

It is not the first time Medvedev, who knocked out Stan Wawrinka in the first round, has been in hot water over his conduct towards officials.

At a second-tier event last year, the 21-year-old was defaulted from a match after saying umpire Sandy French was "friends" with his opponent Donald Young. Both are black.

Medvedev denied he intended to be racist, claiming it was a misunderstanding.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in