THE behaviour of Australia’s top tennis talent has long been brought into question, yet nothing seems to change.
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It has been another headline-creating week for the bad tempered, narcissistic, provocative, all-round bad sports and “nothing is ever my fault” stars.
Australian number one, world 19 and Roland Garros 17th seed Nick Kyrgios, 21, was involved in hullabaloo with experienced umpire Carlos Ramos over a code violation call in round 1.
In a his latest melodramatic display Kyrgios acted in a manner expected of someone 10 years his junior when he accused Ramos of "unbelievable bias" and described the violation for shouting “towel” at a ball boy as "f-----g bulls—t".
Isn’t he a wonderful role model?
While Kyrgios’ actions were deemed insufficient to receive further punishment, the way he went about it does not sit easy.
Kyrgios’ round three conquer Richard Gasquet described him as the sport’s “best newcomer” and there is no doubting he and national No. 2 Bernard Tomic, 23, are exceptionally talented.
However, tennis coach Roger Rasheed made some valid points about Tomic’s demeanour following his sensational actions at the Madrid Masters, where he turned his racquet around facing 6-2, 5-4 and 0-40 match point.
Tomic has an undesirable reputation for throwing in the towel when the match isn’t going his way – dangerous ground.
Rasheed said he wanted to switch off the TV or watch a movie in lieu witnessing Tomic go about things.
Hear, hear! It doesn’t stop there.
Australian wildcard Jordan Thompson, who took Croatian Ivo Karlovic to five sets at the French Open, appears to have attended the same school of behaviour judging by appearances at the Launceston International where he too showed a lack of respect and excelled at tantrum throwing.
Most athletes would jump at the chance to represent their country at the Olympic Games, but not Tomic. It appears Bernie is too big for the world’s greatest sporting event.
The same disrespect has been shown towards the Davis Cup in the past. The arguing, unwillingness to fight to the death and smart alec approach is un-Australian.
An Australian success is what you want for these blokes, but as a human with standards, one can not hope they fail miserably for their undesirable conduct.
Why can’t they be as humble as the great Roger Federer? As passionate as Lleyton Hewitt? As unassuming as Gasquet?
Millions of taxpayers’ cash has been throw into these lads so it is time for them all to grow up, show some decorum, respect and fight.