Bernard Tomic has failed in his appeal against the fine he received for not playing to the ‘required professional standards’ at Wimbledon. The Australian was fined the entirety of the £45,000 he earned at SW19 following his 6-2 6-1 6-4 first-round defeat to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – a match that lasted just 58 minutes.
Tomic claimed he felt unwell in the build-up to the match, which had a direct effect on his performance, but that excuse has now been rejected out of hand by the Grand Slam Board, who were sceptical of the 26-year-old’s reasoning given his previous disciplinary problems.
Related: Cilic Says He Can Win A Grand Slam
Writing in his decision letter, Grand Slam Board director Bill Babcock said: “A review of your historical record of misconduct at Grand Slams, never mind elsewhere, provides little justification for an adjustment.
“In your case, Bernard, I am sure you would agree there is no historical evidence to give comfort to the theory that you can reform your behaviour.” Tomic has been told that 25 per cent of his fine will be refunded if he avoids a further sanction at his next eight Grand Slams, but the world number 103 says it is not about the money, as he is more concerned about the lasting effects of the decision on all the players on the ATP Tour.
“I don’t care about this 25 per cent; I care about the right thing for players in the future,” Tomic told the New York Times.
