Tim Henman has backed Wimbledon over the decision to fine Bernard Tomic his full first-round prize money after putting in a lack of effort in his opening-round defeat to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
The Aussie was on court for just 58 minutes on Tuesday, losing 6-2 6-1 6-4, and was fined £45,000 – 100% of his prize money – having been fined £11,000 in similar circumstances two years ago, saying he was bored during a match against Mischa Zverev.
Having won seven games, some consider the max fine a little over the top, but Henman believes the All England Club were well within their rights to come down hard on Tomic.
Speaking during commentary for the BBC, he said: Yeah its very difficult to defend [Tomic]. I think when you look at the performance, it was 35 minutes for the first two sets.
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Were in the entertainment business and you cant show a lack of professional effort like that and expect to be paid for it.
More: Tennis
It was the shortest mens singles match at Wimbledon since Roger Federer ruthlessly dispatched Alejandro Falla in straight sets in 2004, and Tomic wasnt very keen on talking about it at his post-match press conference…
Bernard Tomic interview transcript
Q. Lasted just 58 minutes. Do you think there was any lack of effort on your part or…
BT: Well, I returned pretty bad. Didnt see his serve. Pretty terrible match.
Q. Are you happy with the effort you were putting in?
BT: Next question, please.
Q. You were fined a couple years ago for lack of effort. Are you expecting the same?
BT: (No answer, puts head in hands.)
Q. Do you still have the same passion for tennis as you did when you were younger?Read More – Source
Tim Henman has backed Wimbledon over the decision to fine Bernard Tomic his full first-round prize money after putting in a lack of effort in his opening-round defeat to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
The Aussie was on court for just 58 minutes on Tuesday, losing 6-2 6-1 6-4, and was fined £45,000 – 100% of his prize money – having been fined £11,000 in similar circumstances two years ago, saying he was bored during a match against Mischa Zverev.
Having won seven games, some consider the max fine a little over the top, but Henman believes the All England Club were well within their rights to come down hard on Tomic.
Speaking during commentary for the BBC, he said: Yeah its very difficult to defend [Tomic]. I think when you look at the performance, it was 35 minutes for the first two sets.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Were in the entertainment business and you cant show a lack of professional effort like that and expect to be paid for it.
More: Tennis
It was the shortest mens singles match at Wimbledon since Roger Federer ruthlessly dispatched Alejandro Falla in straight sets in 2004, and Tomic wasnt very keen on talking about it at his post-match press conference…
Bernard Tomic interview transcript
Q. Lasted just 58 minutes. Do you think there was any lack of effort on your part or…
BT: Well, I returned pretty bad. Didnt see his serve. Pretty terrible match.
Q. Are you happy with the effort you were putting in?
BT: Next question, please.
Q. You were fined a couple years ago for lack of effort. Are you expecting the same?
BT: (No answer, puts head in hands.)
Q. Do you still have the same passion for tennis as you did when you were younger?Read More – Source
