Tennis official's brutal letter to Bernard Tomic after appealing Wimbledon fine
Bernard Tomic has received a brutal response after appealing his $80,000 fine for performing ‘below professional standards’ at Wimbledon.
The controversial Aussie was stripped all of his first-round prize money after lasting just 58 minutes in a straight-sets loss to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Tomic appealed that decision, but has now been put firmly in his place.
According to Ben Rothenberg of the New York Times, Tomic can get 25 per cent of his match fee back if he plays the next eight Grand Slam events without receiving a code violation.
That decision was accompanied by a scathing letter from Grand Slam board director Bill Babcock.
“A review of your historical record of misconduct at Grand Slams, never mind elsewhere, provides little justification for an adjustment,” Babcock wrote.
“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.
“Admittedly, I am sceptical that you can achieve this reform of Grand Slam on-court behaviour. Many others, no doubt, would be even more than just sceptical.
“Good luck and I hope to be pleasantly surprised in the future by your successful reform.”
Tomic is reportedly planning to appeal the decision further.
“I don’t care about this 25 per cent,” Tomic said. “I care about the right thing for players in the future.”
Meanwhile, the board has sensationally backflipped on its decision to strip Anna Tatishvili of her first-round prize money from the French Open.
The American was docked $74,000 after losing 6-1, 6-0 to Maria Sakkari, a decision that caused uproar.
“It is clear that you — even confirmed by your in-form opponent — were competing professionally from the first to the very last point, however unsuccessful in the end,” Babcock said.
However the language used to rebuke Tomic has caused controversy among tennis fans, with some labelling Babcock ‘condescending’ and ‘unprofessional’.
The decision letters the two received from the Grand Slam Board were strikingly different.
“Ms Tatishvili” was thanked for her thorough letter; meanwhile, “Bernard” was addressed like a hopeless ne’erdowell. pic.twitter.com/xPR81BhHrJ— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) July 20, 2019
Embarrassing, condescending language.
This guy thinks he is the principal of a school. This is a professional sport, there should be a minimum level of respect among each other.— Ashish (@ashishjena94) July 20, 2019
An unprofessional letter by a professional body. If you can’t write, ask for help. This is embarrassing.
— Ptuan (@ptuan_p) July 20, 2019
This is ridiculous. It’s not like tomic got bageled in every set. Is there any precedent for the opposing player (Tsonga in this case) speaking up for their opponent?
— andrew klein (@andystevieklein) July 20, 2019
Why Tomic was fined
Tomic’s controversial loss to Tsonga was the shortest Wimbledon men's match for 15 years and the second shortest men's singles match at the All England Club since records began in 2002.
However he had excuses.
"Flying from Turkey and losing in (the) quarter-finals (there), playing few matches in 40C heat and I was run down and became a bit unwell over the weekend," Tomic told News Corp Australia.
"I then competed with one of the top five players on grass, losing 6-2 6-1 6-4. I didn't lose 6-0 6-0 6-0.
"From the start of the match I knew I had very little chance because I was feeling down but I thought I would go on court to try (because) it's Wimbledon."