Novak backs Tomic axing

Sponsor dumps Australian over comments

TENNIS: Novak Djokovic has supported racquet manufacturer Head’s decision to dump Bernard Tomic in the wake of a $20,000 fine for admitting he was bored at Wimbledon.

But the former world No.1 says Tomic needs support as the tennis community reacted to the Gold Coaster being abandoned by Head and hit with the second largest fine in Wimbledon history.

“We all have our flaws. We all, in the heat of the moment, maybe say some things that are not appropriate maybe,” Djokovic said.

“But again, it’s understandable, in a way, why Head has reacted in this way.

“Because it’s not the right message to send out there from one of the most talented players that has played a game in (the) last six, seven years, and a hero to many children, especially in Australia.

“There are tougher things in life. Absolutely. We have to be very grateful for the kind of lifestyle we have and to be given an opportunity to play a sport that we love.

“For him, it’s different now. He’s going through a tough stage, and you have to kind of understand it and support it.”

Tomic was charged with unsportsmanlike conduct after confessing he struggled with motivation in a straight-sets loss to German Mischa Zverev.

The $19,725 fine will be deducted from Tomic’s prizemoney cheque of $64,000.

It is the largest fine meted out by Wimbledon officials behind Fabio Fognini’s $26,400 for the Italian’s 2014 tantrum.

Wimbledon officials confirmed Tomic was fined for his media interview comments and not for calling for a trainer when he wasn’t injured.

In a statement, Head said: “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.”

Tomic said he would appeal the penalty.

“I was being honest,” he said. “People think the fine is for calling for the doctor, but it’s not.

“I don’t think the fine is fair.”