'Arrogant tool': Tennis greats and fans turn on Bernard Tomic

Australian tennis fans have turned on Bernard Tomic, labelling him a "spoiled brat" and "arrogant tool" for his sarcastic comments after failing to qualify for the Australian Open.

The world No.142 lashed the media and boasted about his wealth just minutes after his loss to little-known Italian Lorenzo Sonego on Sunday.

 

"I just count money, that's all I do. I count my millions," he told reporters.

"You go do what I did (on court). You go make $13, $14 million. Good luck, guys."

Tomic, who reached a top ranking of 17 in January 2016, is now expected to slump further in the ATP rankings. His career earnings are listed as $6.6 million (not including earnings from sponsorship deals).

"Young Bernard Tomic once boasted he would have the 'heart of Hewitt, the groundstrokes of Federer, the mind of Sampras'," wrote sports reporter Anthony Sharwood. "He achieved none of that. But he did manage to develop the personality of a complete dickhead."

Wrote Frenzal Rhomb guitarist Lindsay McDougall: "I reckon Bernard Tomic should pay someone else to count his millions so he can practise playing tennis".

But many came to the defence of Tomic who they claimed was tired of his job just like anyone else.

"He's going through stuff and got some anger issues," wrote one. "We all go through it. Just because he's a public figure, doesn't make him any less human. Tired of his job, we've all been there."