Nick Kyrgios’ suspension from tennis last year was evidence that tennis authorities are not afraid of penalizing players for their unprofessional behaviour. Yet, a series of incidents this week proves there is more to do.
The first three days of this week have seen rackets being destroyed at the Rio Open and allegations at tanking occurring at the Delray Beach Open. The most high profile was that of Bernard Tomic, who has only won two matches on the tour this season. Facing Belgium’s Steve Darcis, some accused the world No.31 of tanking during his three-set loss. It is not the first time that the Australian has faced these accusations after his questionable performance against Fabio Fognini at last year’s Madrid Open.
Ladies & Gentlemen: Nadal’s doubles partner next month at Indian Wells.
Another quality tank job in Delray from good ole Bernie 😂 @Dimonator pic.twitter.com/szZpu4U38m— Nick Leone (@TheTennisLion) 21 February 2017
Since his defeat, Tomic has not responded to those allegations and he will likely never receive any punishment. The main reason being is that it is hard to prove he was tanking. Even if some might be sceptical, tiredness, lack of fitness or injury could have been factors.
“A player shall use his best efforts during the match when competing in a tournament. Violation of this section shall subject a player to a fine up to $20,000 for each violation.” The ATP Rulebook states.
Unfortunately, Tomic is not the only ‘bad boy’ on the tour this week. Kei Nishikori, who is the top seed at the Rio Open, lost his cool during his shock first round defeat. Dropping the first set against Thomaz Bellucci, Nishikori received a warning for smashing his racket onto the ground. Meanwhile, Fabio Fognini went one better and made a hole in the border surrounding the Rio court.
Fabio Fognini casually playing some darts with his racquet during the match. pic.twitter.com/19jizAD3d6
— José Morais (@ZezeAM) 22 February 2017
The actions of those players doesn’t make them bad people. After all, they are trying to balance travelling around the world with trying to maintain consistency in their game. Nevertheless, it does show that the ATP’s handling of Kyrgios last year has had little impact on anybody else.
Last October the Australian was handed an eight-week ban (which was later reduced) by the ATP for unsportsmanlike conduct. The penalty was handed out following Kyrgios’ dismal performance against Mischa Zverev at the Shanghai Masters, where few could doubt that he was not giving his best efforts in the match.
Kyrgios once again became the villain of tennis with the hope that it would deter his rivals from conducting similar behaviour. Judging by Tomic (who now has the unfortunate nickname of ‘Tomic the tank engine’) and Fognini, nothing has changed.
To an extend it could be argued that the publicity surrounding Kyrgios contributed towards his suspension, which was fully justified. If he was a player participating in a Challenger tournament and displaying the same behaviour, it is sceptical if he would have been suspended. The ATP had no choice but to do what they did when Kyrgios was bringing worldwide attention to the sport for all the wrong reasons.
It is safe to say that the ATP has a comprehensive rulebook (some could say too too comprehensive), a disciplinary committee and they are not afraid to punish. Nevertheless, what they do lack is consistency. Until all players are treated the same, bad behaviour will continue.
Whilst all players are responsible for their actions, the ATP must also be held accountable for their hot and cold approach to player discipline.
