Bernard Tomic was "dumped" by racquet sponsor Head in the fallout from his $20,000 fine for "admitting he was bored at Wimbledon," according to Leo Schlink of the HERALD SUN. The Queenslander "was stripped of the Austrian company's lucrative backing" after grand slam officials "slugged" Tomic with the "second-largest fine in Wimbledon history." Tomic was charged with "unsportsmanlike conduct after confessing he struggled with motivation" in a straight-sets loss to German Mischa Zverev. The $15,000 fine will be deducted from Tomic's prize money check of $45,400. Tomic said that he would appeal the penalty (HERALD SUN, 7/6). In London, Alexandra Topping reported news of the fine was followed by a statement from Head, which "stood firmly behind Maria Sharapova during her doping ban" but deemed Tomic's attitude "unacceptable." Head said in a statement, "We were extremely disappointed with the statements made at Wimbledon by one of our sponsored athletes, Bernard Tomic. 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" (GUARDIAN, 7/6). REUTERS' Simon Evans reported Tomic's comments were criticized by many pundits who suggested he was "cheating fans by his attitude." Nine-time Wimbledon winner Martina Navratilova suggested that Tomic's comments were "ungracious" and suggested he "stay at home." She said, "It's disrespectful to the sport and disrespectful to the history of the sport. If you can't get motivated at Wimbledon it's time to find another job." Others have suggested Tomic's words "may reflect wider issues and offered support." Tennis Gold Coast President Mike Ford, who has known Tomic since he was a child, "called for the player to be left alone." Ford: "He's obviously going through a very dark period. He needs time and he needs space" (REUTERS, 7/6).
