Tomic dumped by Head for comments, sparking debate

Bernard Tomic, a former teenaged sensation who was once ranked No. 17 in the world, lost more than just his match on Tuesday against 27th-seeded Mischa Zverev.

Tennis racquet company Head dropped his sponsorship on Thursday in reaction to comments the Australian made after the match in which he said he was “a little bit bored out there.”

“I couldn’t care less if I make a fourth round at the US Open or I lose first round,” Tomic told the media after the loss. “I’m going to play another 10 years, and I know after my career I won’t have to work again.”

He also admitted he took a medical timeout just to break up his opponent's momentum, which is technically cheating.

Many were critical of the Australian, including Brad Gilbert, Martina Navratilova and Pat Cash, while others were understanding, like VICE, which compared Tomic's troubles with the ones many employees struggle with.

"I'm bored at the office. Closing the big deal doesn't leave me particularly fulfilled. Win or lose, the days all feel sort of the same, and frankly, I know I'm halfway to a comfortable retirement."

Doesn't sound so unusual in that context, does it?

Tomic was also fined $15,000 by the ITF for unsportsmanlike conduct. It is safe to say that this is one of the lowest moments of the 24-year-old’s career, especially considering Head stood behind Maria Sharapova when the former world No. 1 was suspended for a doping violation.

Standing by a player who was punished for a doping violation while dumping a player admitting he is bored caught some players by surprise.

But one of the reasons that Tomic’s comments drew so much ire was that this was not a first for him—the world No. 59 has had low moments before to go with his obvious talent on the court. Who knows what he'll do next, but it's safe to say, the world will be watching, and judging.

Follow Andrew on Twitter: @andrewikesports

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