Bernard Tomic’s father and coach will be banned from attending the French Open, even as a paying spectator, tournament officials said on Monday.
John Tomic has already had his tournament credentials withdrawn by tennis authorities after he was charged with assaulting his son’s training partner, Frenchman Thomas Drouet, in Madrid on May 4.
However it was thought he could, and would, still attend his son’s first round match against Romanian Victor Hanescu on Tuesday by purchasing a ticket.
But French Open officials said staff have been told to refuse entry to Tomic senior.
Tomic, 20, hasn’t played since his father’s incident during the ATP event in Madrid.
But his Australian Davis Cup teammates have tipped him to relish a return to competition amid the drama.
Lleyton Hewitt and Marinko Matosevic said he appeared relaxed and ready to handle the intense spotlight that will inevitably greet his return.
“It’s obviously a bit awkward, but he takes most things in his stride,” Hewitt said after a five-set opening-round loss to Frenchman Gilles Simon.
“I think he’ll enjoy getting out there and playing.”
Hewitt said he bumped into Tomic briefly in the locker rooms on Saturday and he appeared relaxed.
Matosevic has also spoken to Tomic and said he was in good spirits.
“He’s just getting ready to play obviously like we all are and I think he’s excited to play some tennis after all the drama,” Matosevic said.
Tomic arrived at Roland Garros on Saturday and has been attempting to keep a low profile with his practice sessions kept off the official schedule.
While Bernard has refused to formally address the media prior to his match, he spoke briefly on Saturday claiming he had remained focused on tennis.
“I’m good. I’m hoping to do well, I’ve got a good match-up and hopefully I can win,” Tomic said after a practice session with Serbian world No.10 Janko Tipsarevic.
John Tomic denies assaulting Drouet, saying he was acting in self defence, and the case will be heard at a Madrid court in October.
Meanwhile, Drouet confirmed on Monday that he is working with French women’s No.1 Marion Bartoli for the duration of the tournament.
“I have been hitting with her since Saturday. It’s official,” Drouet told L’Equipe sports daily.
