Welcome Mats Being Pulled From Tomic

Written by: Staff on 9th May 2013

Tennis Conde Godo tournament in Barcelona

Welcome Mats Being Pulled From Tomic

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 |

The law of most countries insists any man is innocent until proven guilty but although John Tomic’s trial for causing bodily harm to his son Bernard’s practice partner Thomas Drouet does not take place until May 14, tennis’ latest controversial parent has been told he will not be allowed through the gates of Roland Garros for this year’s French Open.

Even though the ATP World Tour announced earlier this week that John Tomic would be barred from receiving credentials at tour events until further notice, their powers do not extend to the four Grand Slam tournaments.

But Gilbert Ysern, tournament director of the French Open said: “We are not going to let Mr. Tomic in at Roland Garros this year.”

And the International Tennis Federation backed the move. Nick Imison, of the media staff based in London, said: “Following discussions today, the ITF will support the ATP in putting John Tomic on the ‘do not credential’ list with immediate effect, and we will await the outcome of the ATP’s investigation.”

The ATP World Tour said earlier: “Following last week’s incident in Madrid concerning John Tomic, and the ensuing investigation, Mr. Tomic’s credential privileges have been suspended at all ATP tournaments until further notice.”

John Tomic has denied the charges leveled against him, claiming that he had delivered a head butt to Drouet’s face as an act of self-defense.

Whether Wimbledon takes the same course of action will be dependent on the outcome of the Madrid trial. Bill Babcock, the director of the Grand Slam Committee, said: “We’re waiting to hear the full report from the ATP and then the grand slams will discuss it and each grand slam will make an accreditation decision or access decision one by one.”

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Australian tennis news, Bernard Tomic, John Tomic, Sports, Tennis News