'Tanking' Tomic bombs out of Madrid Open in farcical fashion
Bernard Tomic has continually stated his desire to be a top 10 player, but he won't be top 10 in anyone's books with ridiculous displays like this.
The much-maligned Aussie caused more controversy at the Madrid Masters against Fabio Fognini, conceding match point while holding his racquet the wrong way.
The Italian was up one set and serving at 5-4, 40-0 in the second when Tomic offered little resistance to the match-ending serve.
The 23-year-old stood on the baseline holding his racquet head instead of the handle, refusing to even attempt a return.
Tomic then made his way to the net and appeared to laugh with Fognini. Needless to say his antics were not taken well by fans:
Grow up! #Tomic Learn to lose graciously! Sick of these immature players with no sense of sportsmanship! #MMOpen https://t.co/DvOMTwM916
— Amelia M (@cambriaca) May 3, 2016
Maybe he has a date waiting...#BernardTomic https://t.co/zaqrYWf0mR
— MJ (@Mjtweet86) May 3, 2016
What is wrong with Australian sport culture! Bernard Tomic's behaviour is disgusting for the sport and Australia.
— hafeau (@hafeau) May 3, 2016
Since losing the final of the ATP event in Mexico in February, Tomic has had just one win on the ATP Tour - a second round victory over American world No.76 Ranjeev Ram at Indian Wells.
In January he was criticised for a lack of effort at the Sydney International after he found out he had a favourable draw for the Australian Open and 'retired hurt'.
It's the second farcical finish to a match this week after Grigor Dimitrov's antics in Istanbul: