'Insult to tennis': Bernard Tomic at centre of bizarre new drama
Bernard Tomic has left the tennis world rather baffled after producing a bizarre win over Frances Tiafoe in Atlanta.
Tomic progressed through to the second round of the Atlanta Open on Tuesday after defeating his American opponent in three sets.
Tomic, ranked 106th in the world, defeated the fifth seed 4-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4) in one hour and 48 minutes, however the manner of victory left many stunned.
On face value it would appear as though Tomic finally decided to put some effort in, however a number of fans and journos pointed out that the Aussie looked to be as uninterested.
Many thought Tomic and Tiafoe were trying to ‘out-Tank’ each other, with both appearing uninterested in winning.
New York Times writer Ben Rothenberg thought Tomic put in about as much effort as he did during his first-round loss at Wimbledon, which saw him stripped of his $80,000 prize money for playing ‘below professional standard’.
Not “showing effort” much more than he did when Wimbledon docked all of his pay, Bernard Tomic beats #5 seed Frances Tiafoe in a third set tiebreak in Atlanta R1.
That’s just how he tennises.— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) July 23, 2019
I just watched Gin & Tomic beat lighten up Frances 1st rd of ATL in 3rd set breaker, I have no idea 💡 how it happened
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) July 23, 2019
Fans were also left fuming about the poor quality of the match.
Dear @BBTatlantaopen.
Let me just tel you that this Tiafoe-Tomic game was the worst insult to tennis of all times. I sincerely feel sorry for the people who paid to see that game.— Wam Chalybs (@WChalybs) July 23, 2019
Hope it was free admission to see this Tiafoe/ Tomic match, ridiculous effort
— John Hulfeld (@iamjohnhulfeld) July 23, 2019
You'd think considering his ranking situation Tomic would show a little more willpower than he usually does today, and it's not like Tiafoe is in any form either. But it's the same ole Tank Engine.
— Francis (@smelllikesugar) July 23, 2019
Do not let the score between Tiafoe and Tomic fool you. Tomic is 100 percent tanking hahah. If he tried any less, he would be standing out there with no racket.
— thepracticecourt (@practice_courts) July 23, 2019
Tiafoe is out tanking Tomic. should of won the first set 6-0 or 6-1.
— Jack Stevens (@shreddinjack) July 23, 2019
Bernard Tomic appears to be trying as little as possible against Tiafoe in the Atlanta Open. It's the third game of the first set.
— Harrison Hamm (@harrisonhamm21) July 23, 2019
Incredible “Tank Off” between Tiafoe and Tomic the tank engine!!!
— Scott (@Darts_Ace) July 23, 2019
Tiafoe is managing to make himself look pretty stupid despite Tomic being in 100 percent tank mode.
— Igor Puschkin (@Kalarou) July 23, 2019
Tomic told reporters he did not make make any drastic changes to his game against the world No. 41 in their first-ever encounter.
"That's how I play - I always try to do something different," he said.
Tiafoe has plummeted down the rankings after a horror run of form since making the quarter-finals at the Australian Open.
Quite the comeback and win for Bernie Tomic considering the start. Tiafoe should've bageled Bernie in the first set and had he done so he probably cruises. Instead he let Tomic back in after having *0-4 30-40. Another loss for Frances, his season after AO has been very poor.
— Francis (@smelllikesugar) July 23, 2019
Ebden awaits in second round
The 26-year-old will face compatriot Matthew Ebden, who defeated Polish qualifier Kamil Majchrzak 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 on Thursday.
Australian third seed Alex de Minaur received a first-up bye and will play Bradley Klahn in the round of 16 on Wednesday while 19-year-old Alexei Popyrin will face French fourth seed Pierre-Hugues Herbert for a place in the quarter-finals.
World No.55 Daniel Evans was too strong for Jason Jung, defeating the Taiwanese qualifier 6-1 6-1.
with AAP
