Bernard Tomic’s hitting partner, Thomas Drouet, tells L’Equipe that he saw Bernard’s father and coach, John, hit his son last week.
“I witnessed it. A club coach was also there and saw everything,” Drouet said. “He hit him in the head with his fist. Bernard bled from the mouth around the lips and teeth. Blood was dripping on to the court.”
John Tomic was arrested for head-butting Drouet in Madrid and will face assault charges next week. He claims he was acting in self- defense. The New York Times reported that John Tomic’s credentials for all ATP events have been suspended until further notice.
Drouet said that John Tomic attacked his son because, “Bernard told him he was tired of hearing his crap. I didn’t interfere as it’s been said here and there. After, John destroyed three racquets: Bam, bam, bam. A half-hour later, he was joking with Bernard.”
Tennis Australia head of men’s professional tennis Todd Woodbridge said the organization will attempt to help Bernard with coaching, possibly with Josh Eagle, who is already in Europe working with other Australian players.
Drouet also said that Bernard came to see him in the hospital. “He told me: ‘I’m sorry. He went too far, it’s over. I don’t want him to come to tournaments anymore. Bernard has been a victim of his father forever. Many times, I’ve heard Bernard tell John he didn’t want him on the court. After that, it’s difficult for Bernard because he’s only known this way of working. He’s a hostage and he’s developed Stockholm syndrome.”