Tennis Australia "is taking steps to find a new full-time coach" for BERNARD TOMIC after allegations that he was bashed by his father, JOHN, according to Margie McDonald of THE AUSTRALIAN. Tomic's training partner THOMAS DROUET told French sports newspaper L'Equipe that he had "allegedly seen John Tomic physically assault his son." Drouet: "I witnessed it. A club coach was also there and saw everything." Tennis Australia's Pro Tennis Head TODD WOOLBRIDGE said that the necessary steps "were already in motion to provide support for Tomic" as he prepares for the French Open, which begins on May 26. Australian Davis Cup captain PAT RAFTER and Woodbridge "will speak to Bernard in Paris." Woolbridge: "John is his coach, but will obviously be out of the picture now -- we don't know for how long -- so helping Bernard is our priority" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 5/8).
TOMIC'S DENIAL: In Sydney, Charles Miranda reported Drouet "returned home to France" demanding that the ATP ban John Tomic from the world circuit. John Tomic denied doing anything wrong. He said that "he did not feel guilty for anything." Drouet: "I have been told my muscles in my neck are locked from this (headbutt) like whiplash form the shock." Tomic's lawyers formally requested a full "forensic" report into Drouet's injuries ahead of a hearing next week (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 5/8).
