Concerns over Tomic’s effort in capitulation
Bernard Tomic has done it again.
The 24-year-old (pictured) has bombed out of an ATP Tour event in Florida, continuing his disastrous start to the 2017 season.
Sixth-seed Tomic was sent packing from a tournament in the first round for a second consecutive week, losing to Belgian Steve Darcis 3-6 6-1 6-4.
Tomic had a 4-1 lead in the final set but the Belgian world No.57 reeled off five straight games to take the match.
The loss was compounded by vision that appeared to show a lack of effort by the Australian. Reachable returns were allowed to pass and other shots were limply sent back to his opponent.
There was no sign of injury from Tomic or an explanation of why he capitulated, despite looking in good shape early in the match.
The Australian world No.31 has stumbled to three first-round losses out of four tournaments in 2017.