Bernard Tomic’s “Million Dollar” Claim Causes a Stir
When the Australian Open’s latest qualifier bragged, “I just count my millions,” fans and former pros were not amused. The 25‑year‑old, once seen as the future of Aussie tennis, trembled in the face of critics after missing the home Grand Slam’s wildcard because he didn’t play the December playoff.
What Happened
- During a crash‑hit 2017 season, Tomic admitted he was “bored” and wasn’t playing his best.
- He tried to “tough‑it‑out” by playing three sudden‑death qualifiers, but only won two.
- Without the third win, he slipped from the Open for the 10th consecutive year.
- His cheeky line: “I just count money, that’s all— I count my millions. You go do what I did. You go make 13‑14 million. Good luck guys. Bye!” sparked a social media firestorm.
Pro‑Players Take a Stand
Andy Roddick shot back on Twitter, “Maybe stop for a second and think of the millions you’ve left on the table.” He labelled Tomic’s missteps as “self‑inflicted.”
Pat Cash, a former Grand Slam champion, chimed in: “It’s a situation where (it was) too much too early as a young player. He really has done nothing in his career. That’s true, and that’s kind of sad in a way.”
Fans and Media Reaction
- Australian newspapers called him “Million Dollar Baby” and “Fool’s Gold.”
- Critics describe him as “arrogant,” a “spoilt brat,” and a “loser.”
- Some folks, however, urged people to show a bit of mercy.
Looking Ahead: Reality TV or New Direction?
With Tennis Australia stepping in to offer “health and wellbeing” support last November, the question is whether Tomic will finally give the sport another shot or segue into a reality‑show career. Rumors suggest a spot on “I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!” could be on the cards, with a teaser hinting at “at break point before they know it.”
Regardless of the next move, one thing remains clear: the tennis world is watching closely, and people are waiting to see if Bernard Tomic can finally put his money where his mouth is.
