Novak Djokovic says he understands why his racquet sponsor Head has taken the decision to end their deal with Bernard Tomic following his controversial comments during his post-defeat press conference at Wimbledon but that he also empathises with the Australian.
Tomic lost tamely to Mischa Zverev in the Wimbledon first round then later admitted in his press conference that he took a medical timeout to try and interrupt the rhythm of his opponent. He also said he was “bored” on the court, that he doesn’t respect the game the way he should and that he “couldn’t care less” about losing in a fourth round or first round.
The 24-year-old Australian also said he felt “super old”, implying he’s suffering from a serious case of burnout.
Tomic was fined $15,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and was dumped by his racquet sponsor Head, who issued a statement saying “his opinions in no way reflect our own attitude for tennis, our passion, professionalism and respect for the game”.
Djokovic was asked about Tomic’s controversial comments, and whether he thinks the Aussie should be penalised for being honest about how he feels about his job at the moment, or whether he can empathise with him, and his situation.
“That’s a good point. From a human side, we all have that empathy and we all have that compassion, so it’s just a matter of whether that surfaces, whether you allow it to surface, whether you try to understand the person or not. So it just really depends on you,” said Djokovic after his 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 victory over Adam Pavlasek in the second round.
“I generally try to understand people and why they take certain actions or words and we all are humans. We all have our flaws. We all, in the heat of the moment, maybe say some things that are not appropriate maybe, by definition of someone, or something.
“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 last six, seven years, and someone that was a hero to — he is a hero to many children, especially in Australia. Everybody looking up to him and him making these comments, I understand that perspective.”
Tomic, who made the Wimbledon quarter-finals as an 18-year-old in 2011, was ranked No17 in the world last year and has won three ATP titles. He has been highly-touted since he was young as a great talent coming up on tour but has struggled with motivation multiple times throughout his career.
Djokovic, a 12-time Grand Slam champion, knows the tour can be a grind and says he can see where Tomic is coming from to some extent.
“I also, I have to — because I’m on the tour, I play tennis, I understand the ups and downs that you experience as a player, understand the emotions that you go through, and it’s not easy. It’s not easy,” said Djokovic.
“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.”
Djokovic next faces Latvian Ernests Gulbis in the third round. Gulbis is someone who never shies away from speaking his mind and has landed in hot water multiple times for his statements in press.
Gulbis hasn’t seen Tomic’s press conference but weighed in on the situation and vouched for the Australian.
“I didn’t see in what context he said it. I didn’t see how he said it. But based on your words (the reporter’s), Bernard, I know him a little bit. He’s a nice guy. He’s not a bad guy. It’s just the way he says things sometimes, it’s maybe too straightforward. He doesn’t mean those things,” said Gulbis.
“Unfortunately, yes, nowadays you get penalised a lot when speaking up your mind and saying some unpopular things. You have to be a little bit smart in that. Maybe this is not the case how he did it the last time. But it’s tough to say more.
“But I know him. He’s a good guy. He doesn’t mean bad. There’s some bad guys who play nice, but he’s a nice guy who, doesn’t play bad, but sometimes you get in this position. This is unfortunate.”
