John Tomic may have escaped jail for his much publicized violent altercation with his son’s former practice partner in Madrid but he continues to be ostracized from the game and Tennis Australia has announced he will be blocked from attending next January’s Australian Open.
Regardless of the fact Bernard Tomic is now returned to the nation’s Davis Cup fold, Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley confirmed the world no.55’s father would be barred from receiving tournament accreditation to coach either his children Bernard at 2014’s initial Grand Slam event that runs from January 13 thru 26 or younger sister Sara, aged 15, is expected to contest the Junior Girls events.
Just as in the case at the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, gate and security officials at Melbourne Park will be issued with photographs of 49 year-old Tomic senior and ordered to prevent his entry onto the grounds, regardless of the fact he might have bought a bone-fide spectators ticket.
Some ATP tournaments have allowed Tomic to buy tickets as a spectator, but Tiley was adamant the Australian Open would not allow him into Melbourne Park. “John is still under suspension from the ATP and the four grand slam tournaments have an agreement with the ATP to follow and support that organization’s decision in situations like this,” Tiley said.
“In this situation, there is a ban on John having access to accreditation and we, like the other grand slams, recognize that decision and will uphold it. On that basis, until the suspension is completed in May, John does not have access to the grand slams.”
Tiley appreciates he is caught between trying to heal the wounds the Tomic family had with Tennis Australia and trying to follow the lead set by the ATP World Tour and the other three Grand Slams.
It’s been a difficult situation for John and also for Bernard,” Tiley said . “John is aware of the implications of what’s happened. He’s abided by the penalties.
“Our primary concern is Bernard’s wellbeing and this is an unfortunate situation for many people. I talk with John on occasions about Bernard, but it’s more around Sara’s tennis.
Topics: 10sballs, Atp, Australian Open, Bernard Tomic, Davis Cup, French Open, John Tomic, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News, US Open, Wimbledon
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