Wimbledon: Controversial comments lead to player losing sponsorship deal
Sometimes there are serious repercussions for lassitude at the workplace.
Following Australian Bernard Tomic’s first round loss at Wimbledon to Mischa Zverev of Germany in straight sets, the 24-year-old told reporters he was “bored” during the match.
As a result, Tomic received a $15,000 fine from the International Tennis Federation and also lost his sponsorship deal with Dutch sports equipment and clothing company Head.
“We all work for money. At 34, maybe I can donate to charity,” Tomic said in his post-match interview. “If you ask Roger Federer if he’ll do it, I’ll do it.'”
The comments that really got him in trouble had to do with his lack of passion for tennis not only during this match, but also over the last year.
“I felt a little bit bored out there,” the two-time junior grand slam singles title holder said. “The last sort of year or two, nothing motivates. It’s not I don’t give my best. I still try to go for it in a way.”
His main sponsor, Head, felt that Tomic’s comments no longer aligned with the company’s agenda.
“We were extremely disappointed with the statements made at Wimbledon by one of our sponsored athletes, Bernard Tomic,” a statement from Head asserted.
“His opinions in no way reflect our own attitude for tennis, our passion, professionalism and respect for the game. Therefore, we have decided to discontinue our collaboration with Bernard Tomic.”
Tomic was not the only player to be fined as a result of questionable actions this week at Wimbledon.
Russian Daniil Medvedev, who upset Stan Wawrinka in the first round, was fined $14,500 for throwing coins at the umpire’s chair (among other in-match violations) following his second-round loss to Ruben Bemelmans.
Italian Fabio Fognini still holds the dubious distinction of receiving the largest fine in Wimbledon history of $27,500 for unsportsmanlike behavior back in 2014.
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