Tennis Prose




Jul/17

5

Tomic Shames Professional Tennis

tomic2Tennis is a clean and pristine, wondrous sport known for grace, elegance, and aesthetic violence inside a contained arena. Millions of people spend billions of dollars to play and watch the fascinating game of tennis.

Yesterday the sport of tennis was shamed perhaps worse than it has ever been shamed in over a century. Bernard Tomic tanked his first round match to no. 27 seed Mischa Zverev of Germany, 64 63 64. Long known for his questionable work ethic and desire to compete, the very talented Tomic startled the media with his post match comments.

“It was definitely a mental issue out there,” Bernard Tomic said after losing to Zverev. “I don’t know why, but I felt a little bit bored out there, to be completely honest with you.”

Tomic did not hold back and continued his confession. “So I feel holding a trophy or doing well, it doesn’t satisfy me anymore. It’s not there. 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 ten years, and I know after my career I won’t have to work again.”

These are unbelievable comments. Tomic does not care if he wins or loses. He finds tennis boring now and he can’t be bothered to give a hundred percent effort anymore. And if you read between the lines, it’s almost like Tomic is saying that he is talented enough to win or lose whenever he wants to maintain his ranking to continue direct entry into tournaments and continue to earn a handsome salary.

Why is he playing and why does he plan to keep playing for another ten years if tennis is so boring?

Would Tomic throw a match to help a friend? No one can answer for sure.

Would Tomic resort to illegal gambling on his own matches? No one can answer for sure.

There are a lot of questions that need to be asked, by the ATP face to face with Tomic.

Legends of the sport like Rennae Stubbs, Pat Cash and Martina Navratilova sharply criticized Tomic yesterday, with Stubbs calling Tomic “an embarrassment to the sport and yourself.”

If the ATP has a contract clause for players about respecting the ATP World Tour and behaving in a manner that does not undermine or embarrass the tour they might want to exercise that clause immediately against Tomic and give him a two year vacation – or perhaps a permanent ban.

If not, then the ATP should amend it’s policy and make it policy that no player should ever speak so disrespectfully about the sport ever again.

Tennis has had enough of Bernard Tomic. And if he does not change his attitude and clean up his act to conduct himself like a professional athlete is expected to, the sooner he is removed from the ATP World Tour, the better.

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97 comments

  • catherine · July 6, 2017 at 11:10 am

    catherine writes:

    Andrew – mice are practising dance routines – day not over yet.

  • Jimmy the Gent · July 6, 2017 at 11:15 am

    Jimmy the Gent writes:

    sela is a little monster, as was rochus…never underestimate the midgets of pro-tennis……they got something to prove !! LOL

  • Andrew Miller · July 6, 2017 at 11:20 am

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Rochus brothers best pound for pound players!!!

  • Hartt · July 6, 2017 at 11:23 am

    Hartt writes:

    Catherine, think it was more than 1 fine that added up to $15,000, so presumably he was fined for both. Scoop, OK Tomic has realised he will never be in the top group, but surely he can make the effort to be in the next tier? Guys like Berdy, Tsonga, Gasquet must have figured out that they don't have much chance for the very top, but they have carved out excellent careers for themselves nonetheless. And maybe he was not honest when he answered the why do you love tennis question. It would be a big deal if he'd said then that he did not love tennis.

  • Duke Carnoustie · July 6, 2017 at 11:25 am

    Duke Carnoustie writes:

    Scoop, Much props to you on changing your original opinion but I don't think you were wrong or too harsh to say that Tomic shames tennis. At the same time, Tomic saying he can never win a Slam so what is he point is something that you never heard from the Gasquets, Monfils or Tsongas of the world – not to pick on the French – is refreshing like you say. It's a fascinating debate but I find the players quitting far more outrageous than Tomic playing lousy for three sets. Lopez played doubles the next day – he can't stay on the court for two more games vs. Mannarino? The quitting sets a terrible example for the sport – and you don't see it in other sports.

  • Duke Carnoustie · July 6, 2017 at 11:29 am

    Duke Carnoustie writes:

    Wilander is right that Novak played as lousy at the end vs. Thiem as what Tomic did. The difference is Novak didn't say he gave up – but it is clear as day. Should Novak be fined for that?

  • Andrew Miller · July 6, 2017 at 11:31 am

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Catherine, mice are 50/50. Konta, Svitolina, who had a good preseason, still in it. Vekic, Sevastova, Kvitova, who also had a good preseason, are out.

  • Scoop Malinowski · July 6, 2017 at 11:43 am

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    Duke; it's nice to see players have the belief but 90% of them have no chance to win a major. Maybe 95%. It's a shame Tomic has quit on himself when there are so many players who defy the odds and shock the world. Yes tanking is definitely terrible and must be condemned. But tanking and quitting happens in all sports but it's the most easy to notice in tennis because every point is so naked and effort levels are so visible. You just can't see when a golfer or baseball player or basketball or football or hockey player or race car driver tanks. But we can always see it in tennis.

  • Scoop Malinowski · July 6, 2017 at 11:47 am

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    No, Novak should not be fined and perhaps Tomic really should not be either. But given his reputation for tanking and quitting (he blatantly quit in Delray this year) he is in hot water already on the issue. So speaking up about it, though commendable for sincerity, it was really stupid by Tomic to do it. Now he has lost Head sponsorship. Now with all the attention Tomic has brought on himself and this tanking reputation, it will be very interesting to see how he behaves the rest of the year.

  • Duke Carnoustie · July 6, 2017 at 1:29 pm

    Duke Carnoustie writes:

    Scoop – Good point, that is exactly right. You can't see a lack of effort from a team sport guy. I suspect plenty of golfers who know they can't make a cut have terrible rounds too. I agree that 95 percent of players have no chance to win a major. Andy Roddick should have won multiple for sure and only had one – I hardly consider him a one-Slam wonder like Cilic. The five we have now in the men's game are special and have stymied fine players like Berdych, Tsonga and maybe even Dimitrov. I am all the more impressed with Wawrinka for winning three Slams in this era.

  • Andrew Miller · July 6, 2017 at 1:34 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Berdych knocks out Harrison. Looked like a good match.

  • Duke Carnoustie · July 6, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    Duke Carnoustie writes:

    Remember what Thiem said after beating Novak at RG? I just beat Novak, now I have to beat Rafa and them either Stan or Murray to win the title. What player believes he can win three straight best-of-5 matches like that?

  • Scoop Malinowski · July 6, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    Berdych has Harry's # though they play close battles Big Berd always comes through. They had a 7-6 in the third last summer.

  • Scoop Malinowski · July 6, 2017 at 1:42 pm

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    Nobody can accomplish that Duke. It's physically and scientifically impossible.

  • Andrew Miller · July 6, 2017 at 2:48 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Scoop, time to start referring to the older veterans as best veterans of all time. From Karlovic to Nadal, they have proven to be the most dominant group of players, big four or not, in history. They've kept most younger players out of the winners circle.

  • Scoop Malinowski · July 6, 2017 at 2:53 pm

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    Good point Andrew; the best veterans of all time without a doubt. The over 28 ATP players are better than ever by far. ATP should do a 31 & over #OLDGEN Finals 🙂

  • Chazz · July 6, 2017 at 2:56 pm

    Chazz writes:

    Scoop, they have 31 & over #OLDGEN finals already – the semifinals and beyond in any Slam tournament 😉

  • Andrew Miller · July 6, 2017 at 3:09 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    "Del Potro". He did that in 2009. Awful draw. Pulled it off!

  • catherine · July 6, 2017 at 3:15 pm

    catherine writes:

    Andrew – mice doing a hornpipe now – Pliskova out and Kerber through ! Just the opposite of how I expected things. Well well it's Wimbledon.

  • Chazz · July 6, 2017 at 3:38 pm

    Chazz writes:

    Sock lost the first two sets to a qualifier ranked sub-200 but is in control now after winning the next two sets. Slightly disappointing but not unexpected loss for Tiafoe against Zverev. I was hoping he would take a set from Sascha. Does Sock have a chance against Zverev if they meet next? I am thinking no unless something changes with Jack. Donaldson into the 3R with a tough 4 setter over Lorenzi.

  • Andrew Miller · July 6, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Catherine, winning a tune up is a curse for wta players.

  • Chazz · July 6, 2017 at 4:13 pm

    Chazz writes:

    Oh man, what a horrible loss for Sock. 2017 has turned so bad for him, will he recover and if so, when?

  • catherine · July 6, 2017 at 4:18 pm

    catherine writes:

    You're right Andrew – I fully expect a number of exits on the traditional first Saturday clear out, including Angelique, and the next No 1 will be Simona. Scoop should have been thrilled to watch Flipken's slice which almost upset Angie – who won nevertheless with a dropshot from the baseline and a lob – sign of improving nerves ?

  • catherine · July 6, 2017 at 4:23 pm

    Losing in tune ups is good ? Konta, Halep, will proceed but unfortunately Barty is already gone.

  • Andrew Miller · July 6, 2017 at 5:05 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Yes this year winning a tune up spells doom!

  • Scoop Malinowski · July 6, 2017 at 10:59 pm

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    Flipper has a killer slice and it really bothers a lot of players.

  • catherine · July 7, 2017 at 8:07 am

    catherine writes:

    Scoop – I wonder why Flipkens has not done better ? Angie said afterwards getting down low all the time in that match was a big challenge. Doesn't come naturally to her. I suppose not many women use slice like Flipkens – maybe they should try. Get those knee joints exercised.

  • Scoop Malinowski · July 7, 2017 at 10:15 am

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    Catherine: I have followed Flipkens whole career. She was a top junior player. Then had a very slow transition to WTA success. For years she struggled with poor results and blowing matches. Thought she just wasn't going to make it. Then she did get over the hump finally.She is a great example of perseverance. She was very small when younger but she has gotten beefier and stronger. I would guess she is just not strong enough to be a top player. But she has had a very good career.

  • catherine · July 7, 2017 at 10:51 am

    catherine writes:

    Scoop – Thanks. She's small but seems pretty fast and her style certainly seems to tie some opponents in knots.I thought that match was pretty close and Kerber was lucky not to have to go 3 sets. She spoke about Flipkens with a lot of respect.

  • Scoop Malinowski · July 7, 2017 at 11:27 am

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    Flipkens struggled for years before she finally made her first Grand Slam main draw (French Open 2006 at age 20). It also took years to win her first WTA main draw match. Flipkens persevered though.

  • El Dude · July 8, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    El Dude writes:

    Sounds like a young man who is disappointed with how his career is turning it out, and is playing a rather disingenuous "I don't care" attitude. On the other hand, I'm sure there are plenty of players who realize they'll never be great, and maybe don't even love the game but just see it as a job. But I suspect with Tomic it is more a spoiled brat who didn't get what he wants, and now has sour grapes.

  • Busted · July 10, 2017 at 6:48 pm

    Wasn't it just Tomic's turn to shame the sport? He can't left his buddy Kyrgios have all the fun. As Pat Cash said – somebody needs to take his money away and make him go get a real job in a factory and he'd find that missing "motivation" real quick.

  • GameSetAndMath · July 13, 2017 at 3:14 pm

    Don't know whether it is mentioned before here.

    Tomic's father John Tomic is ashamed of him. If John is ashamed of Tomic that is really a low point, not just because John is his father but because John is a low class guy (recall he punching a coach in the nose and getting barred from entering the arena one year).

    “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,” John Tomic told the Herald Sun.

  • Scoop Malinowski · July 14, 2017 at 4:18 pm

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    GSM; Those are harsh words by Tomic's dad. I hope the father can talk some sense to his son. If the son will listen who knows. He's just too good to let all that talent go to waste.

  • britbox · August 2, 2017 at 8:36 am

    Tomic tells all in TV Interview

  • britbox · February 1, 2018 at 9:21 am

    So, I hear today that Tomic has been calling Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt out after Hewitt said that Tomic probably wouldn't play for Australia again…

    Tomic's response: "I don't care what Lleyton said. I never lost to him," …

    That's exactly why Tomic should never play for Australia again – his attitude.

    Hewitt won two slams and got to world #1. He never beat Tomic? That's because he's a million years older and played in a different era. Tomic is a prick. Prime Hewitt would have killed Tomic on a tennis court.

  • britbox · February 1, 2018 at 9:25 am

    Hewitt has got a great thing going with Team Australia… don't be surprised if these guys win a Davis Cup within the next 2 or 3 years. It's been great for Nick Kyrgios too.

  • Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2018 at 9:50 am

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    Britbox, How about a Hewitt vs Tomic winner take all grudge match? And if Tomic wins he gets a permanent role on the Davis Cup team. While it is impressive that he's dominated Hewitt on the ATP level, and I watched there US OPen grandstand five setter, Tomic is just too unreliable to ever be counted on, he's shown talent and moxie but too many, way too many bad losses. I remember his Davis Cup loss to Isner and though he tried hard he failed to get the job done. Tomic has to prove himself as a reliable fighter – or get a heart transplant.

  • britbox · February 1, 2018 at 9:56 am

    Ha… I'd kind of like it if Hewitt won… but seriously, Rusty is doing great things with Team Australia. He's fostered a great cameraderie with the team. Kyrgios loves it… he loves the Davis Cup meet-ups and looks forward to them. Build a team around an energized Nick rather than sourpuss Tomic… I say… Tomic is toxic…. Bernard Toxic… Look out for team Oz… the boys are coming.

  • Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2018 at 10:32 am

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    britbox, Australia could even build a Davis Cup dynasty and dominate the competition. Kyrgios is the foundation. Deminaur, Kokkinakis, and Thompson if he can reverse his fortunes, are a singles nightmare for just about every other nation. Peers is a top doubles player but he needs a partner. With how rosy things are looking at the moment, if Australia does not win the Cup this year or next, the blame might have to go on Hewitt's over intensity and possibly distracting presence which could make his players uptight and resentful of the extra pressure his demanding presence provokes. Hewitt wants tow in so bad, more than even his players it seems and that's a combustible combination. I think Hewitt will have to find a way to done it down because most of the Davis Cup captains I can think of took on secondary, subordinate, more casual, laid back roles. It's a very interesting situation for sure.

  • Busted · February 1, 2018 at 5:39 pm

    britbox said:

    So, I hear today that Tomic has been calling Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt out after Hewitt said that Tomic probably wouldn't play for Australia again…

    Tomic's response: "I don't care what Lleyton said. I never lost to him," …

    That's exactly why Tomic should never play for Australia again – his attitude.

    Hewitt won two slams and got to world #1. He never beat Tomic? That's because he's a million years older and played in a different era. Tomic is a prick. Prime Hewitt would have killed Tomic on a tennis court.Click to expand…

    Somehow I doubt Lleyton Hewitt is losing any sleep over Tomic's trash talking. He should just be glad that Hewitt's not as pugnacious in his old age as he used to be…or else Tomic would find himself swallowing a knuckle sandwich.

  • Moxie · February 1, 2018 at 8:35 pm

    :lulz2: "Knuckle sandwich." My dad used to say that. You're too right.

  • GameSetAndMath · February 1, 2018 at 10:23 pm

    I heard Tomic is in some celebrity reality show with a title of "I am a celebrity and so get me out of here" or something like that (in down under). So, he has found an alternate career at least.

  • britbox · February 1, 2018 at 10:46 pm

    He only lasted three days before he quit the show… and left the jungle.

  • GameSetAndMath · February 1, 2018 at 11:16 pm

    I don't know what is this show about as it is an Aussie show. But, from the title I thought getting out was the objective. 😀

  • Moxie · February 1, 2018 at 11:28 pm

    True to form, anyway. 😉

  • Scoop Malinowski · February 2, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    Britbox, Tomic tanked the TV show too?

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