Bernard Tomic struggles to breathe in Australian Open qualifying loss
Bernard Tomic had to call a medical timeout in his Australian Open qualifying loss to American Denis Kudla on Tuesday amidst hazardous smoke haze in Melbourne.
After not receiving a wildcard entry, Tomic was forced to go through the qualifying route to book a spot in the main draw of the 2020 Australian Open, however the Queenslander lost his match 7-6, 6-3.
But the qualifying match was not without drama. In the early stages of the second set against Kudla, Tomic complained of breathing difficulty, prompting match officials to call the on-site doctor.
"No air is going in. I'm getting tired so easy," Tomic was heard telling medical staff.
"Is anyone else complaining today?"
"No, it's been okay," said the medic.
Bernard Tomic receives medical treatment Nine
During the medical timeout, the doctor asked the Aussie if he had a history of asthma or any breathing difficulties, to which Tomic responded he had not.
"Well, it's not like I'm the fittest guy ever," he said.
"I just can't breathe," Tomic said, as he tried to take in big gasps of air.
The doctor gave the 27-year-old an inhaler and checked his chest with a stethoscope, before clearing him to resume.
The loss to Kudla all but confirms Tomic will not be participating in this year's Australian Open.
Of the Australian contingent, former world No.39 Matthew Ebden was knocked out by by Italian 13th seed Gianluca Mager 7-5 6-4.
Max Purcell had a three-set win over Argentine Andrea Collarini while Abbie Myers fell to Olga Govortosova from Belarus, 7-5 7-5.
Teenager Tristan Schoolkate won the first set against Peru's Juan Pablo Varillas before going down 6-2 5-7 5-7.
- with AAP
