Bernard Tomic’s Father Is In The News

Written by: Staff on 6th May 2013

Tennis Conde Godo tournament in Barcelona

Bernard Tomic’s Father Is In The News

epa03675345 Australian tennis player Bernard Tomic returns the ball to Argentinian Juan Monaco during their second round match at the Conde Godo Tournament in Barcelona, northeastern Spain, 24 April 2013. EPA/ALEJANDRO GARCIA |

Australia’s Bernard Tomic is no stranger to run-ins with the police for a series of driving offences and a roof-top fight beside a private swimming pool. But now the 20 year-old’s notorious father, John, who many insist has been a blight on his son’s career, was reportedly jailed in Madrid after an altercation that left hitting partner Thomas Drouet with a broken nose and fractured vertebrae.

Reports in the European media suggest the incident occurred in retaliation for Drouet intervening to protect Tomic from his father at the recent Monte Carlo Rolex Masters where the player lost his first round match in straight sets to the Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov.

A report on France’s RMC radio said John Tomic would appear in court in Madrid today (Monday) but he telephoned Australian tennis writer Linda Pearce of the Melbourne Age in an attempt to refute accusations. He would not elaborate on the reports, only saying: “I just want to say that I’m not in the jail, how they are writing.”

Pearce wrote of her response. “Yes, but was he in the jail in the past few days, as suggested? No answer to that one; just a jovial promise that everything would be proved tomorrow, and then he would call back to expand further. “Hard to explain to you,” he said evasively. “I’m not in the jail, just say like that. Tomorrow I will say.”

She continued: “More questions about what had happened, and why, were stonewalled. Then with a parting “have a nice day” he was gone.

RMC Radio reported players Dolgopolov and Janko Tipsarevic witnessed the attack, where an ambulance was called. Reports also maintain Tomic Senior struck his son while at the tournament in Monte Carlo and drew blood around the jaw area.

What is definite is that Tomic, currently ranked world no.49, lost his opening round match at the Mutua Madrid Open 6-3, 6-2 to Czech veteran Radek Stepanek.

Meanwhile Tennis Australia, whose Tomic file must already be one of the thickest at the body’s Melbourne headquarters, is staging an investigation and a statement issued read: “Obviously media reports regarding an incident in Madrid are very concerning.

“We are working closely with ATP World Tour officials who are investigating the incident and are unable to comment further until the full facts are known.”

Earlier Todd Woodbridge, Tennis Australia’s Head of Men’s tennis said: “What’s important for us at Tennis Australia is that this allegation is thrown toward John, his dad, and not to Bernard. I just want to make sure that everyone understands that this is nothing to do with Bernard and his behavior.”

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Alexandr Dolgopolov, Australian tennsi news, Bernard Tomic, John Tomic, Mutua Madrid Open, Thomas Drouet