There's rarely a dull moment involving Bernard Tomic at a grand slam.
In the space of a just few hours at the French Open on Tuesday, the Australian drew criticism for a lacklustre first-round display, angrily defended his controversial father and frankly admitted he didn't like the claycourt grand slam.
The 21-year-old was dispatched 6-2 6-1 7-5 by French 12th seed Richard Gasquet in a match lasting just 97 minutes.
Still recovering from two bouts of hip surgery in February, Tomic was not expected to progress past the first round, having won only one match since February.
But his erratic shot making and questionable tactics prompted familiar fire with television commentators and many on social media again questioning his attitude and work ethic.
To his credit, Tomic kept fighting in the third and final set and, while he is clearly not back to 100 per cent fitness and movement following surgery, he did not directly use it as an excuse.
"It was difficult for me to come out in this match," Tomic said.
"He's the favourite; he's playing at home.
"... I really struggled with his game, especially on clay. He really gave it to me today, and I could not do anything in the first few sets."
Tomic admitted to playing "very, very bad" in the first set but insisted his form would return with more matches and a return to grass.
"It's all about time and matches, I guess," he said.
"Obviously I'm playing on my worst surface, clay, and it's difficult for me to move and find my feet.
"But now I have grass coming and I have the next ten days (off) that I can use."
John Tomic, wearing a hooded jumper, sunglasses and a cap, was courtside at a major tournament for the first time since his 12-month ATP ban expired earlier this month.
The coach was convicted of assaulting Bernard's former training partner, Thomas Drouet, at the Madrid Masters last year.
Inevitably Bernard was asked several question about having his father back and he again stood by him.
"We started a long journey together, my dad and myself. We didn't have nothing, so my dad is everything to me," Tomic said.
But he took exception to a suggestion ongoing civil proceedings from Drouet could distract John from his coaching duties.
"That's a stupid question," he said.
"How can you answer that? That's berserk."
Eager to turn his attention to Wimbledon, the grand slam that seems to bring out the best in him, Tomic did not hide his relief at seeing the back of another Roland Garros campaign.
"I mean, Paris is a beautiful city but I really don't like this tournament," he said.
"I've never played well here ...
"Hopefully (that will) change in the next seven, eight years."
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