Bernard Tomic, of Australia. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Bernard Tomic's first match in the United States following his arrest in Miami hasn't gone well, beaten in three sets at the Washington Open on Wednesday.
The Australian, coming off a title win in Colombia, lost 6-7 (7-9) 6-4 6-2 to world No.55 Steve Johnson in the second round on Tuesday after the 11th seed enjoyed a first-round bye.
Social media was abuzz with talk of the strange match, in which Tomic tried to force a challenge on a call in his favour, amongst other things.
Johnson racked up 20 aces as he wore down the unpredictable Tomic.
The surprise defeat continues an erratic last month for Tomic on and off the court.
Tomic lashed out at Tennis Australia officials over funding and was subsequently stood down for Davis Cup duty, arrested in Miami, lost to Australian qualifier John-Patrick Smith in the first round in Rhode Island and then won his third ATP title in Bogota before being knocked out in Washington.
Even at age 38, the world No 55 is a huge drawcard for the Auckland tournament.