Wimbledon: Dad ban won’t deter Tomic

John Tomic is due in a Madrid court in October charged with assaulting his son’s hitting partner Thomas Drouert – an accusation he denies – and has been handed a 12-month suspension by the men’s game’s rulers, the ATP, as a result.

Wimbledon has also prevented John Tomic from entering its grounds as a spectator. And, after his first-round win against Sam Querrey on Tuesday, Bernard expressed his unhappiness at the situation and said he would be asking the club to reconsider.

There was no sign of John Tomic on Court 18 yesterday as Tomic Jnr saw off James Blake in three sets, though, and, according to the world No 63, that will not be changing for the rest of the tournament.

“There’s been some communications for sure, but it’s pointless because they’ve stuck by the decision. They’re not going to change,” said Bernard Tomic, who is returning to his rented house each night where his dad is issuing tactical instructions. “I don’t think they’ll be allowing him in, which is okay. I’m focusing on my matches. I’m still seeing my dad and he’s still advising me what to do.”

As for trying to overturn the ban, he added: “Maybe in the next tournaments I’ll see. I’m going to keep the same routine. I’m enjoying playing and can’t complain.”

There was little for Bernard Tomic to grumble about yesterday as former world No 4 Blake was barely given a look in. It was a welcome display of maturity from the 20-year-old, who has not always been the most consistent player on tour. So impressive was his performance that coaching guru Nick Bollettieri interrupted his press conference to say: “Keep being the sleeping giant, you’re doing well boy.”

“I felt very good on court and was very happy with the way I played,” Tomic said. “It’s not easy playing a guy like James and I felt really good.”