If the goal was to unsettle his opponent, it didn’t work. The ever-frustrating Bernard Tomic strolled, smiled and backchatted his way to a dismal defeat against Steve Johnson in the Washington Open, on one occasion unsuccessfully challenging a point he had already won.
Tomic tries to challenge Johnson's ball called OUT. Umpire promptly denies the challenge. pic.twitter.com/dcmnOyDUxF
— moruni (@morunien) August 6, 2015
The search for consistency continued for the 11th seed who lost in three sets to the American world No 55 following a title win in Colombia, an arrest over a noisy party in Miami and a simmering row with Tennis Australia
Tomic came off the boil early in the 6-7 (7-9), 6-4, 6-2 second-round defeat, displaying an unusual interest in deuces.
Tomic finally holds, keeps asking umpire about deuce records. Still down a break. #eyesontheprize
— TATtweets (@TATtweets) August 5, 2015
And the footwork left a little to be desired, even if his natural skill kept him in the game.
Bernard #Tomic in low intensity mode.. Literally walks to this forehand and hits it so.... #CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/z1itaX8XoE
— Mert Ertunga (@MertovsTDesk) August 5, 2015
Observers attempted to understand the mindset of the 22-year-old Australian who is maligned and admired in unequal measure.
@TennisChannel Is Tomic injured? He played badly and was flippant...although that could be normal for him.
— Laura Alpert (@busiestbee1) August 6, 2015
Johnson racked up 20 aces as he wore down the unpredictable Tomic.
Also Bernard Tomic was smiling as he was being ousted by Johnson. I'm sure that'll endear him to the Aussie fans.
— Charlie (@notcharchar) August 5, 2015
Tomic fans do get a rough ride, and father John is apparently no exception.
Hahah sitting next to Tomic's dad/coach, looks at me and shakes his head and laughs after every crap point played by Bernie #CitiOpen
— Jay Desai (@JayDecide) August 5, 2015
As the match wore on, even Tomic appeared to be backing the other side.
Tomic has applauded Johnson roughly 12 times this game #CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/vNySLdnrR6
— Matthew! (@mreiter18) August 5, 2015
Well, what a weird match, but Johnson has Tomic number with his second win against him in their now 2 matches in 2 months.
— Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) August 6, 2015
We all understand these moments.
I like the way Tomic answers the question, "meh?"
— David Kane (@DKTNNS) August 5, 2015
But at the end of yet another surprise performance, there was still a certain amount of love for the enigmatic Australian.
Never change, Tomic #ATP #Tennis https://t.co/yF9p5H8goz
— Edwin Smith (@edwin_smith1) August 5, 2015
