The always controversial Bernard Tomic won’t feature at this year’s Australian Open after being snubbed a wildcard place at the tournament by Tennis Australia.
Now ranked 462 in the world, the 30-year-old won’t be on the courts of Melbourne Park for the first time in 15 years.
In a sign that perhaps Tomic has somewhat matured, he gave a rather dignified response in an interview with The Age.
“I understand Tennis Australia has made their decision. It’s good to see the young tennis players getting an opportunity. I’m at a place in my life where I don’t complain anymore. I’m focused and I’ve been training hard. I’ll let my tennis do the talking. Last quarter of 2022, I won three tournaments and made four finals.
“This year is my year, if no one is going to help support me, I’ll get back to the top 100 on my own. My headspace is very different. I’m in a positive environment, good people around me, I’m in a healthy, happy relationship. Now all there is to do, is get back to where I belong.”
While we all hope that Tomic has grown up/changed, it’s worth going through his rap sheet and lowlights, given his on-court highlights are few and far between.
Jan 2023 – Is denied a Wildcard place in the Australian Open. The first time in over 15 years he doesn’t feature in the tournament.
Jan 2022 – Goes on A Current Affair to plead for forgiveness and for the Australian public to give him another chance.
Feb/March 2021 – Tomic and OnlyFans girlfriend Vanessa Sierra create some unique content that the platform is known for.
When players were placed in Hotel Quarantine during the COVID-effected Australian Open, Siera and Tomic complained about the conditions they were placed in – including not being able to was their own hair. Nick Kyrigos calls them out on Twitter.
July 2019 – Loses opening round Wimbledon game to Jo- Wilfred Tsonga and was fined full prize money for not meeting the “required professional standard”
Feb 2018 – Enters the jungle on “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!”, and withdraws from the competition after three days after becoming the first contestant to voluntarily leave in the Australian version.
Jan 2018 – fails to qualify for the Australian Open and tells the media that all he does is “count money”
July 2017 – After his first-round Wimbledon exit against Mischa Zverev, Tomic comments at his press conference that he was bored at the tournament and faked an injury.
Sept 2016 – verbally abuses a spectator at the US Open during his first-round loss to Damir Dzumhur
May 2016 – Concedes a match to Fabio Fognini at the Madrid Open, holds his racquet backwards and said he couldn’t care less as he’s worth millions of dollars.
Tomic cops it on iconic ESPN show PTI at the time
July 2015 – Gets arrested in Miami at an expensive hotel after a noise complaint is made, everyone gets a look at his mugshot.
March 2014 – Suffers the fastest loss in ATP history at the time, Tomic lost to Jarkko Nieminen 6-0, 6-1 in 28 minutes
Jan 2014– Gets booed at the Australian Open after pulling out of a match against Rafael Nadal claiming a groin injury
Nov 2013 – Becomes the world’s most famous toolie enjoying a lapdance from a Gold Coast adult entertainment establishment.
May 2013 – Tomic’s old man, John, headbutts Bernard’s hitting partner, Thomas Drouet in Madrid
Jan 2013 – Loses his license when caught speeding again, he was driving a yellow Ferrari.
Sept 2012 – John McEnroe accused him of tanking against Andy Roddick in the US Open, 6-3 6-4 6-0
Jan 2012 – Copped a speeding fine two times in one day when driving his orange BMW around the Gold Coast
Sept 2009 – Refused a practice session with Lleyton Hewitt because he “isn’t good enough”, it’s the beginning of a beautiful relationship between the pair.