Tomic’s Hitting Partner Allegedly Attacked By Tomic’s Father

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 7th May 2013

Tomic’s Hitting Partner Allegedly Attacked By Tomic’s Father

epa03673870 Australian Bernard Tomic returns to French Kenny de Schepper during their second round match of the Conde Godo Tournament in Barcelona, Spain, 23 April 2013. EPA/ALEJANDRO GARCIA |

Thomas Drouet, Bernard Tomic’s hitting partner who is sporting a neck brace, nasal splint and several facial bandages after being allegedly heat-butted by the player’s father John, maintains he was abused, sacked and ultimately attacked in Madrid’s central Paseo de la Castellana thoroughfare.

Monaco-based Drouet, appeared at the initial court hearing Tomic snr. requested in Madrid and all parties are set to return for the main hearing set for May 14. Drouet insists he is returning home for several days to recover from his injuries that reportedly include broken nose and fractured vertebrae.

Drouet was categorical in his account of the incident before the hearing and told News Limited: “He (John Tomic) spat in my face, then walked away, and said he wouldn’t pay me any more.

“I said, ‘OK, John, you are a real man. That’s fine. Bernard will pay me’.

And he headbutted me. Every day he treated me like a dog for six months, with disrespect and then this. But he need to be off the ATP Tour.”

Tomic snr., a former taxi driver who has coached his 20 year-old son throughout his career, has disputed the charge of causing bodily harm. He told reporters outside Madrid’s Sede General de los Juzgados courthouse: “I don’t feel guilty. I did not do anything wrong.”

And his lawyer Carmen Dieguez made the point her client had requested a court hearing rather than simply pay a fine and said: “There was some pushing and Mr. Tomic acted in legitimate self-defense.”

If found guilty Tomic could face a maximum prison sentence of up to three years and a heavy fine.