Tomic could skip French Open

Fragile ... Bernard Tomic could skip the French Open. Source: Andy Wong / AP

Bernard Tomic may not play in the French Open with a question mark over his mental stamina, his coach and father John Tomic suggested.

Tomic, ranked 53rd in the world, pulled out of the Italian Open in Rome this week, citing personal reasons.

The ATP tournament is seen as a critical red clay hit out before the French Open which starts in just over a week’s time.

The unspecified personal reasons are presumed to be his father last week being charged with assault in Spain after allegedly headbutting Bernard’s tennis practice partner, Thomas Drouet.

Speaking after a brief appearance in the Madrid court on Tuesday where he was formally charged with causing bodily harm to the 29-year-old Frenchman, Tomic Sr said he did not believe his son would now play at the Roland Garros grand slam event.

“We don’t know, probably not,” Tomic Sr said when asked if his son would be playing in the French tournament.

When asked if he was not fit enough mentally, Tomic added: “You guys created this situation.”

Tomic Sr declined to comment about both the ATP and ITF suspending his credentials to attend tournaments, pending an ATP investigation into the Madrid incident and allegations he smacked his son in the mouth, causing it to bleed, during a practice in Monaco two weeks ago.

His lawyer Jacobo Dopico said he expected Tomic to be cleared of the charges, adding that he was totally innocent. He said a delay in the case because of Drouet's failure to attend court this week was unfortunate.

It was initially believed the matter could have been settled out of court with both parties saying they wanted an end to it but Tomic Sr has declared his innocence, prompting a full hearing to be held in October.

“He wants to resolve this case as soon as possible, this delay was very bad for him and he wants to solve this quickly and prove his innocence because the point is he is not only innocent but he also has some proofs that support this affirmation,” he said.

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John Tomic assault trial postponed

John Tomic ... will now have to front court in Madrid in October. Source: JULIAN SMITH / AAP

The assault hearing involving the father and coach of Australian tennis player Bernard Tomic has been postponed because the man he is accused of headbutting said he couldn't attend.

John Tomic was to face court in Madrid on Tuesday night (EST) charged with the alleged assault of Tomic's training partner Thomas Drouet earlier this month.

But the Madrid court said the trial was postponed until October because Frenchman Drouet could not travel to Spain.

Drouet did not specify why he couldn't return for the hearing, casting some doubt over whether it will go ahead, though the court indicated it would.

"Since the plaintiff has not dropped the proceedings, the hearing is postponed for reasons of court scheduling until October,'' the court said in a statement.

John Tomic is free to leave Spain but will have to return for the trial, though no exact date has been set yet.

Drouet was left with a broken nose on May 4 after a brawl outside a hotel where players in the Madrid Masters were staying.

John Tomic denies assault and says he struck in self-defence, his lawyer Carmen Dieguez said.

Bernard Tomic, the world No.53, has made a poor start to this year's European clay court season and lost in straight sets to Czech veteran Radek Stepanek in the first round of the Madrid Masters.

He pulled out of the Rome Masters taking place this week, further disrupting his preparations for the French Open, starting on May 26.

Tomic Sr has been banned from attending ATP events in a coaching capacity pending further investigations into the incident.

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Tomic skips Italy because of dad

Tomics ... Bernie is flanked by his dad John, who will face court on an assault charge. Source:News Limited

Bernard Tomic has withdrawn from the Italian Open, just days after his father was barred from getting credentials to upcoming tournaments because of an assault investigation.

The Italian Open website says that the 53rd-ranked Tomic pulled out of next week's clay-court tournament in Rome and will be replaced by Xavier Malisse.

Tomic's father, John, is scheduled to go on trial in a Madrid court next Tuesday on allegations that he headbutted Bernard's training partner, Thomas Drouet, last weekend. John Tomic disputed the charges.

The ATP said it would not give John Tomic tournament credentials while it investigates what happened.

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John Tomic hit with suspension

John Tomic ... won't be accompanying his son to Italy for the Rome Masters. Source: JULIAN SMITH / AAP

The father and coach of Aussie tennis player Bernard Tomic has been suspended from the ATP tour until further notice following an alleged assault.

John Tomic appeared in a Madrid court earlier this week after being accused of headbutting his son's French training partner Thomas Drouet.

He denied the charge, saying he acted in self defence, and will return to court next week for a judge to decide his guilt or innocence.

Bernard Tomic is preparing to continue his French Open build-up at the Rome Masters next week but, as it stands, his father and coach won't be allowed to attend.

"Following last week's incident in Madrid concerning John Tomic, and the ensuing investigation, Mr Tomic's credential privileges have been suspended at all ATP tournaments until further notice,'' said the ATP in a statement.

"The ATP's investigation into this incident remains ongoing.''

It comes amid calls from Drouet for John Tomic to be thrown off the tour permanently.

"I want to help Bernard forbid his father from having access to tournaments,'' Drouet said in an interview published in French sports daily L'Equipe.

"I want him to be banned from the ATP and the WTA.

"He is a dangerous person, who has nothing to do in this sport of gentlemen.''

Drouet also claimed in the interview he saw the elder Tomic hit his son on more than one occasion, including last week.

"John hit his son on the court, while we were training in Monaco,'' Drouet said.

"He punched him in the face. Blood was dripping from his mouth onto the court. Tuesday, he attacks his son, Saturday me, what's next?''

Drouet appeared at the Madrid court with his nose heavily bandaged and wearing a neck brace.

John Tomic's lawyer Carmen Dieguez said his client had struck his son's training partner with his head only because his own arms were being held by Drouet and he had to protect himself from falling over.

Tomic opted for a court hearing rather than paying a fine.

Drouet earlier said he had been "treated like a dog'' by the coach and said the incident stemmed from an earlier altercation at Nice airport when John Tomic screamed at him for not getting some milk.

Bernard Tomic reportedly said he had been with his physical trainer at the time of the incident and had seen or heard nothing.

A spokesman for the world No.53's management company IMG Tennis said he was not available for comment on the issue and was "focusing on preparing on court for Rome.''

Bernard Tomic has made a poor start to the European clay-court season and lost in straight sets to Czech veteran Radek Stepanek in the first round of the Madrid Masters.

Australian Davis Cup coach Josh Eagle is in Madrid and will provide whatever immediate help the 20-year-old Tomic needs.

Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter, coaching great Tony Roche and Tennis Australia's head of professional tennis Todd Woodbridge will also spend much of the next two months in Europe, taking in the French Open and Wimbledon.

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Tomic Snr: headbutt in self-defence

Wounded ... Drouet says Tomic Snr has 'treated me like a dog'. Source:AFP

The father of Australian tennis player Bernard Tomic said on Monday he was acting in self-defence when he headbutted his son's training partner and broke his nose in the Spanish capital.

John Tomic denied a charge of assault against Thomas Drouet in a Saturday afternoon brawl outside a hotel where players in the Madrid Masters were staying, his lawyer Carmen Dieguez told journalists at a Madrid court.

The court set a May 14 hearing for a judge to decide his guilt or innocence.

"I don't feel guilty. I did not do anything wrong,'' John Tomic told reporters of the fight, which has sparked consternation in the tennis world.

Drouet, who is from Monaco, appeared at the court house with a neck brace and white plaster over his nose.

John Tomic struck his son's training partner with his head only because his own arms were being held by Drouet and he had to protect himself from falling over, his lawyer said.

"There was some pushing and he acted in legitimate self-defence," Dieguez said.

Tomic opted for a court hearing rather than paying a fine, she told reporters, while Drouet earlier claimed he had been "treated like a dog" by the coach.

Bernard Tomic's father, who is also his coach, was arrested several hours after the alleged fight in the central avenue Paseo de la Castellana and was jailed for a period before being released, police said earlier.

The player has made a poor start to this year's European clay court season and lost in straight sets to Czech veteran Radek Stepanek in the first round of the Madrid Masters.

In a statement, Tennis Australia said the allegations were "very concerning".

"We are working closely with ATP officials who are investigating the incident and are unable to comment further until the full facts are known," it said.

In France, L'Equipe newspaper said Drouet sustained a broken nose, stitches to a cut above his eye and bruising to the back of his neck.

L'Equipe quoted Bernard Tomic as saying that he had been with his physical trainer at the time of the incident and had seen or heard nothing.

"It's a very odd situation," he was quoted as saying by the paper. "I wanted to talk to Thomas, but he was in hospital. I haven't seen my father since then."

Drouet told NewsLtd the incident followed months of mistreatment by John Tomic.

He also claimed he saw Tomic Sr punch Bernard in the mouth during a practice session last Tuesday, leaving the player in tears.

Drouet said Tomic Sr demanded he buy him a carton of milk as they were waiting to go to the airport.

He said he replied that he didn't have time before being abused, sacked and ultimately attacked by John Tomic.

"He spat in my face, then walked away, and said he wouldn't pay me anymore," Drouet told NewsLtd before the hearing.

"I said, 'OK, John, you are a real man. That's fine. Bernard will pay me'.

"And he headbutted me.

"Every day he treat me like a dog for six months, with disrespect and then this. But he need to be off the ATP (tour)."

Bernard Tomic last year created more headlines off the court than on it, including run-ins with police in his sports car and claims he was not trying hard enough.

The 20-year-old recently was recalled to Australia's Davis Cup team after captain Patrick Rafter disciplined him for a lack of professionalism following admissions that he gave less than full effort in matches at New York and Shanghai last year.

Tomic won both his singles matches and clinched victory for Australia in their Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group One second-round tie against Uzbekistan last month.

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Tomic Sr a 'bully and an ingrate'

Court violation ... John Tomic should be banned from tennis for life. Source: Julian Smith / AAP

If the latest allegations against John Tomic are proved, he must be thrown out of tennis forever.

As the grisly details of Tomic's alleged assault on Thomas Drouet emerge, there is renewed focus on a complex man with parasitic and smothering tendencies.

Tomic senior won a virtual lottery 20 years ago when his son Bernard was born in Germany.

That windfall ballooned to multi-million dimensions as Bernard climbed to international tennis prominence.

Hefty sponsorship deals, Tennis Australia's monetary largesse and prizemoney - all earned by his son - have seen John Tomic, a former taxi driver, taken for the ride of his life.

Yet, at almost every turn, he has marked himself as a bully and an ingrate.

He luckily escaped penalty after an incident in Adelaide several years ago when he allegedly made threats against fellow junior coaches.

He is notorious for monstering journalists, mostly unsuccessfully, but he is known to tell people of desires "to crush".

A towering man, Tomic glories in standing over people - literally and metaphorically - knowing all the while he has the ultimate shield to cower behind: Bernie, Australian tennis’s great white hope.

But since he has this time allegedly crossed the line by knocking poor Drouet senseless on a Madrid street, Tomic's time as a tennis bottom feeder is over.

He should be shown the door with a unified global ban from all events, forever.

The Women's Tennis Association initiated a similar move against Australian Open and French Open winner Mary Pierce's father Jim, a nasty thug with a criminal history.

Pierce's mugshot was plastered at every entrance to tournaments where Mary played and he was barred entry.

Damir Dokic, another infamous graduate from the Tennis Parents School For The Warped, was similarly banned as he did almost everything in his powers to wreck daughter Jelena's career.

Likewise, erratic Stefano Capriati was firmly and repeatedly reminded of his obligations as his world No 1 daughter Jennifer attempted to maintain her sanity as he menaced officials and players.

John Tomic is cut from the same odious cloth.

He was cunning enough to realise how valuable his son was to Tennis Australia - and played himself into every money-making, decision-making equation.

For all that exposure to smarter people, Tomic senior has learnt nothing in his increasingly ineffectual jaunts around the world on his son's coat-tails.

He is unspeakably rude, charmless and deluded.

If any of the charges he is likely to face in a Madrid court today are eventually found to be true, he is likely to spend time in jail.

In many ways whatever the court decides – guilt or innocence – is irrelevant.

Tomic senior’s oafish behaviour is so out of touch – and dangerous – that he must not be allowed back into tennis.

Bernard will be much better off and the sport will have lost nothing apart from an overblown egomaniac with a vile temper.

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John Tomic 'jailed for assault': reports

Headlines ... More unwanted attention for John Tomic. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Bernard Tomic's controversial father John has been arrested in Madrid for allegedly headbutting son Bernard's hitting partner Thomas Drouet, according to reports on Twitter.

Drouet's nose was reportedly broken and he was knocked out in the incident in Madrid, where Bernard Tomic was contesting the Madrid Masters.

Tennis journalist Matt Cronin wrote on Twitter: "John Tomic said to have spent 1-2 days in jail. Hitting partner still in Madrid with neck brace on & badly broken nose in cast

"Bernie's hitting partner is said to be Thomas Drouet, been working with him for few motnhs (sic). 

"ATP officially confirms to me  there was an incident and they are investigating."

Bernard Tomic's disappointing clay court season continued on Monday morning (EST) as he was thumped by veteran Radek Stepanek 6-3 6-2 in the first round of the Madrid Masters.

The Czech veteran next faces second seed and defending champion Roger Federer.

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Tomic seals Aussie Davis Cup win

Sealer ... Bernard Tomic beats Denis Istomin in Namangan. Source: Clive Brunskill / AFP

Bernard Tomic completed his Davis Cup redemption as he clinched victory over Uzbekistan to earn Australia another shot at returning to the competition's top tier.

Tomic defeated Uzbek No.1 Denis Istomin in the opening reverse singles match on clay in Namangan to give Australia a 3-1 victory in the best-of-five Asia/Oceania second round tie.

It capped a strong team effort and a happy to return to the team for Tomic, who also beat Farrukh Dustov on Friday to get Australia off to a strong start.

After being dropped by Australian captain Pat Rafter from the last tie due to attitude problems, Tomic indicated in January he would not be available against Uzbekistan.

But, after the pair buried the hatchet, he was recalled and showed plenty of commitment to Australia's cause under tough conditions in Uzbekistan.

"It's a huge thing for me to get back in the team,'' Tomic said.

"I told Pat thanks very much for picking me again and I think did really well this time.\

"To win today and on Friday is huge and I'm happy I played the way I did.''

"We worked hard the week before with the boys as a team and I think that's what got the best out of me here.''

Tomic was able to take advantage of a tiring Istomin, who was playing for the third straight day and spent four hours on court in Saturday's gruelling five-set doubles loss to Lleyton Hewitt and Matt Edben.

The tough Uzbek claimed a tight first set but from there it was all Tomic as he stamped his authority on the choppy Pahlavon Sport Complex court.

Rafter described it as some of Tomic's best tennis and urged him to continue heading in the right direction with his attitude and commitment.

"He's still got a way to go and he knows it too but he's made inroads and that's the important thing,'' Rafter said.

"He tried hard and we've got to make sure he keeps on improving.''

Rafter admitted Australia's tactics worked perfectly, with the decision to leave regular spearhead Hewitt out of Friday's opening singles paying off.

The fresh pairing of Hewitt and Ebden combined for a crucial doubles win over Dustov and Istomin, who also expended plenty of energy in a tough four-set win over Marinko Matosevic on Friday.

Australia should next week learn who they will face in the World Group playoffs from September 13-15, where a win would return them to the top 16 for the first time since 2007.

Rafter said the draw would be crucial, with possible opponents including powerhouse Spain.

But, after four consecutive failed attempts to win a World Group playoff, he insisted motivation was not an issue for the 28-time champions.

"No-one wants to be here (in this group),'' he said.

"We want to get out.''

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Tomic seals Aussie Davis Cup win

Sealer ... Bernard Tomic beats Denis Istomin in Namangan. Source: Clive Brunskill / AFP

Bernard Tomic completed his Davis Cup redemption as he clinched victory over Uzbekistan to earn Australia another shot at returning to the competition's top tier.

Tomic defeated Uzbek No.1 Denis Istomin in the opening reverse singles match on clay in Namangan to give Australia a 3-1 victory in the best-of-five Asia/Oceania second round tie.

It capped a strong team effort and a happy to return to the team for Tomic, who also beat Farrukh Dustov on Friday to get Australia off to a strong start.

After being dropped by Australian captain Pat Rafter from the last tie due to attitude problems, Tomic indicated in January he would not be available against Uzbekistan.

But, after the pair buried the hatchet, he was recalled and showed plenty of commitment to Australia's cause under tough conditions in Uzbekistan.

"It's a huge thing for me to get back in the team,'' Tomic said.

"I told Pat thanks very much for picking me again and I think did really well this time.\

"To win today and on Friday is huge and I'm happy I played the way I did.''

"We worked hard the week before with the boys as a team and I think that's what got the best out of me here.''

Tomic was able to take advantage of a tiring Istomin, who was playing for the third straight day and spent four hours on court in Saturday's gruelling five-set doubles loss to Lleyton Hewitt and Matt Edben.

The tough Uzbek claimed a tight first set but from there it was all Tomic as he stamped his authority on the choppy Pahlavon Sport Complex court.

Rafter described it as some of Tomic's best tennis and urged him to continue heading in the right direction with his attitude and commitment.

"He's still got a way to go and he knows it too but he's made inroads and that's the important thing,'' Rafter said.

"He tried hard and we've got to make sure he keeps on improving.''

Rafter admitted Australia's tactics worked perfectly, with the decision to leave regular spearhead Hewitt out of Friday's opening singles paying off.

The fresh pairing of Hewitt and Ebden combined for a crucial doubles win over Dustov and Istomin, who also expended plenty of energy in a tough four-set win over Marinko Matosevic on Friday.

Australia should next week learn who they will face in the World Group playoffs from September 13-15, where a win would return them to the top 16 for the first time since 2007.

Rafter said the draw would be crucial, with possible opponents including powerhouse Spain.

But, after four consecutive failed attempts to win a World Group playoff, he insisted motivation was not an issue for the 28-time champions.

"No-one wants to be here (in this group),'' he said.

"We want to get out.''

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Tomic seals Aussie Davis Cup win

Sealer ... Bernard Tomic beats Denis Istomin in Namangan. Source: Clive Brunskill / AFP

Bernard Tomic completed his Davis Cup redemption as he clinched victory over Uzbekistan to earn Australia another shot at returning to the competition's top tier.

Tomic defeated Uzbek No.1 Denis Istomin in the opening reverse singles match on clay in Namangan to give Australia a 3-1 victory in the best-of-five Asia/Oceania second round tie.

It capped a strong team effort and a happy to return to the team for Tomic, who also beat Farrukh Dustov on Friday to get Australia off to a strong start.

After being dropped by Australian captain Pat Rafter from the last tie due to attitude problems, Tomic indicated in January he would not be available against Uzbekistan.

But, after the pair buried the hatchet, he was recalled and showed plenty of commitment to Australia's cause under tough conditions in Uzbekistan.

"It's a huge thing for me to get back in the team,'' Tomic said.

"I told Pat thanks very much for picking me again and I think did really well this time.\

"To win today and on Friday is huge and I'm happy I played the way I did.''

"We worked hard the week before with the boys as a team and I think that's what got the best out of me here.''

Tomic was able to take advantage of a tiring Istomin, who was playing for the third straight day and spent four hours on court in Saturday's gruelling five-set doubles loss to Lleyton Hewitt and Matt Edben.

The tough Uzbek claimed a tight first set but from there it was all Tomic as he stamped his authority on the choppy Pahlavon Sport Complex court.

Rafter described it as some of Tomic's best tennis and urged him to continue heading in the right direction with his attitude and commitment.

"He's still got a way to go and he knows it too but he's made inroads and that's the important thing,'' Rafter said.

"He tried hard and we've got to make sure he keeps on improving.''

Rafter admitted Australia's tactics worked perfectly, with the decision to leave regular spearhead Hewitt out of Friday's opening singles paying off.

The fresh pairing of Hewitt and Ebden combined for a crucial doubles win over Dustov and Istomin, who also expended plenty of energy in a tough four-set win over Marinko Matosevic on Friday.

Australia should next week learn who they will face in the World Group playoffs from September 13-15, where a win would return them to the top 16 for the first time since 2007.

Rafter said the draw would be crucial, with possible opponents including powerhouse Spain.

But, after four consecutive failed attempts to win a World Group playoff, he insisted motivation was not an issue for the 28-time champions.

"No-one wants to be here (in this group),'' he said.

"We want to get out.''

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Tomic seals Aussie Davis Cup win

Sealer ... Bernard Tomic beats Denis Istomin in Namangan. Source: Clive Brunskill / AFP

Bernard Tomic completed his Davis Cup redemption as he clinched victory over Uzbekistan to earn Australia another shot at returning to the competition's top tier.

Tomic defeated Uzbek No.1 Denis Istomin in the opening reverse singles match on clay in Namangan to give Australia a 3-1 victory in the best-of-five Asia/Oceania second round tie.

It capped a strong team effort and a happy to return to the team for Tomic, who also beat Farrukh Dustov on Friday to get Australia off to a strong start.

After being dropped by Australian captain Pat Rafter from the last tie due to attitude problems, Tomic indicated in January he would not be available against Uzbekistan.

But, after the pair buried the hatchet, he was recalled and showed plenty of commitment to Australia's cause under tough conditions in Uzbekistan.

"It's a huge thing for me to get back in the team,'' Tomic said.

"I told Pat thanks very much for picking me again and I think did really well this time.\

"To win today and on Friday is huge and I'm happy I played the way I did.''

"We worked hard the week before with the boys as a team and I think that's what got the best out of me here.''

Tomic was able to take advantage of a tiring Istomin, who was playing for the third straight day and spent four hours on court in Saturday's gruelling five-set doubles loss to Lleyton Hewitt and Matt Edben.

The tough Uzbek claimed a tight first set but from there it was all Tomic as he stamped his authority on the choppy Pahlavon Sport Complex court.

Rafter described it as some of Tomic's best tennis and urged him to continue heading in the right direction with his attitude and commitment.

"He's still got a way to go and he knows it too but he's made inroads and that's the important thing,'' Rafter said.

"He tried hard and we've got to make sure he keeps on improving.''

Rafter admitted Australia's tactics worked perfectly, with the decision to leave regular spearhead Hewitt out of Friday's opening singles paying off.

The fresh pairing of Hewitt and Ebden combined for a crucial doubles win over Dustov and Istomin, who also expended plenty of energy in a tough four-set win over Marinko Matosevic on Friday.

Australia should next week learn who they will face in the World Group playoffs from September 13-15, where a win would return them to the top 16 for the first time since 2007.

Rafter said the draw would be crucial, with possible opponents including powerhouse Spain.

But, after four consecutive failed attempts to win a World Group playoff, he insisted motivation was not an issue for the 28-time champions.

"No-one wants to be here (in this group),'' he said.

"We want to get out.''

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Tomic ends Davis Cup exile

Exile Over ... Pat Rafter and Tennis Australia will welcome back Bernard Tomic for the Davis Cup. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

The Davis Cup standoff between Bernard Tomic and Tennis Australia is over.

Tomic, 20, revealed in Miami he will represent Australia against Uzbekistan in Namangan next month.

The Queenslander said in January he would boycott the tie in retaliation for being suspended by Cup captain Pat Rafter from February's Asia/Ocenia tie against Chinese Taipei.

Rafter, with the full support of TA, dumped Tomic for unprofessional conduct and lack of effort.

But after discussions between Rafter and Tomic, the impasse has ended.

Tomic's availability provides a serious boost to Australia's bid to break back into the World Group for 2014.

Despite saying he would wait until the middle of the year to decide on his Cup future, Tomic changed his mind.

"The Davis Cup is going to be held after this (Miami Masters)," Tomic said.

"We're going to train in Munich when everyone's done here and then play against Uzbekistan.

"It's not going to be a pretty place but I’m looking forward to it. We have got a good team now.

"I think we should win and Davis Cup is back on the roll for me and I'm going to try my heart out when it comes."

Tomic will vie for singles duties with Marinko Matosevic, provided spearhead Lleyton Hewitt remains fit to lead the team.

The Wimbledon quarter-finalist said: "It was always a dream for me to play Davis Cup at a young age and you want to represent your country whenever you can and to get the opportunity back is huge and I’m really looking forward to it."

The winner of the April 5-7 tie in Namangan will earn a place in September's World Group playoffs.

Australia has lost in the World Group playoffs for the past three years.

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Bad boy Tomic back in the fold

Recalled ... Bernard Tomic will make his return to Davis Cup action. Source: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

Tennis bad boy Bernard Tomic is officially back in the Australian Davis Cup fold after being recalled to the team to face Uzbekistan in the Asia/Oceania second round tie in early April.

Tomic originally said he wouldn't be available for the away tie after being left out of the squad which beat Chinese Taipei in February because of what captain Pat Rafter called a lack of professionalism.

The 20-year-old Queenslander will be a welcome asset after winning eight of his 10 Davis Cup singles rubbers.

Tomic last weekend bowed out of the Miami Masters with a 6-3 6-1 second-round loss to world No.2 Andy Murray and blamed illness after being jeered by the crowd for only winning 10 points in the second set.

As well as world No.45 Tomic, Rafter has included stalwart Lleyton Hewitt, Marinko Matosevic and Matt Ebden for the clash which starts on April 5.

``We have a team which is very motivated to go into an extremely tough away tie and try and win our way to a world group playoff,'' Rafter said.

``The boys are training hard and they have shown some good form in the lead up, so I am expecting some big things from them.''

The team is training in Munichbefore heading to the regional city of Namangan, Uzbekistan.

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Ailing Tomic jeered in Miami

Second set surrender ... Bernie Tomic is booed during his loss to Andy Murray in Miami. Source: Lynne Sladky / AAP

Davis Cup-bound Bernard Tomic blamed illness after being jeered when humbled 6-3 6-1 by Andy Murray at the Miami Masters.

World No.45 Tomic managed to win only 10 points in the second set of their second round clash on a steamy Florida afternoon and he put his problems down to the effect of too much air-conditioning on a troublesome virus.

"I didn't play very good in the second set," acknowledged Tomic, who is also teaming with Lleyton Hewitt in doubles in Miami after being restored to the Australian Davis Cup team for its tie against Uzbekistan on April 5-7.

"I didn't feel at 100 per cent. I tried my best but it was not good enough.

"I've had some sort of flu for the last few days. I can't breath through my nose and I lose energy quickly on court.

"I felt good in my first round, but I must have slept under too much A/C.

"The match was played in very hot conditions, and I was soon struggling. After losing the first set it was going to be really difficult to come back from a set down."

Although Tomic offered little resistance in the second set, Murray wasn't sure that he deserved the jeers he heard from the crowd, who may have had memories of Tomic's US Open second round flogging from Andy Roddick last August, when he was accused of tanking by John McEnroe when losing the last set 6-0.

"The one thing I would say is that if you aren't used to playing in these conditions, it is extremely hot and tough to play," said Murray.

"It is tough when you're going behind and making quite a lot of mistakes.

"So I don't know. The crowd, they're free to do whatever they want."

Tomic, champion in Sydney in the run-up to the Australian Open, heads next to Munich when his doubles run is done in Miami to train with the Australian team for the Davis Cup tie in Uzbekistan.

Tomic said he was genuinely pleased to be back on the Davis Cup team. The 20-year-old Queenslander has won eight of his 10 singles rubbers and will be a welcome asset to skipper Pat Rafter in the Asia-Oceania Zone second-round tie.

"I'm very, very happy to be back on the team," said the player whose feud with Rafter exploded last year.

Tomic had originally said he would not be available for the upcoming tie after being left off the side which beat Chinese Taipei in February because of what Rafter called a lack of professionalism.

"I always want to play Davis Cup. I want to thank Pat for picking me," Tomic said.

"Wherever it is I'll always be happy to play for country.

"Lleyton has always told me what a huge thing Davis Cup is. We have a good chance to beat Uzbekistan. I'm back where I want to be, I'm looking forward to playing Davis Cup again and I'll give my best."

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Bad boy Tomic back in the fold

Recalled ... Bernard Tomic will make his return to Davis Cup action. Source: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

Tennis bad boy Bernard Tomic is officially back in the Australian Davis Cup fold after being recalled to the team to face Uzbekistan in the Asia/Oceania second round tie in early April.

Tomic originally said he wouldn't be available for the away tie after being left out of the squad which beat Chinese Taipei in February because of what captain Pat Rafter called a lack of professionalism.

The 20-year-old Queenslander will be a welcome asset after winning eight of his 10 Davis Cup singles rubbers.

Tomic last weekend bowed out of the Miami Masters with a 6-3 6-1 second-round loss to world No.2 Andy Murray and blamed illness after being jeered by the crowd for only winning 10 points in the second set.

As well as world No.45 Tomic, Rafter has included stalwart Lleyton Hewitt, Marinko Matosevic and Matt Ebden for the clash which starts on April 5.

``We have a team which is very motivated to go into an extremely tough away tie and try and win our way to a world group playoff,'' Rafter said.

``The boys are training hard and they have shown some good form in the lead up, so I am expecting some big things from them.''

The team is training in Munichbefore heading to the regional city of Namangan, Uzbekistan.

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Tomic ends Davis Cup exile

Exile Over ... Pat Rafter and Tennis Australia will welcome back Bernard Tomic for the Davis Cup. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

The Davis Cup standoff between Bernard Tomic and Tennis Australia is over.

Tomic, 20, revealed in Miami he will represent Australia against Uzbekistan in Namangan next month.

The Queenslander said in January he would boycott the tie in retaliation for being suspended by Cup captain Pat Rafter from February's Asia/Ocenia tie against Chinese Taipei.

Rafter, with the full support of TA, dumped Tomic for unprofessional conduct and lack of effort.

But after discussions between Rafter and Tomic, the impasse has ended.

Tomic's availability provides a serious boost to Australia's bid to break back into the World Group for 2014.

Despite saying he would wait until the middle of the year to decide on his Cup future, Tomic changed his mind.

"The Davis Cup is going to be held after this (Miami Masters)," Tomic said.

"We're going to train in Munich when everyone's done here and then play against Uzbekistan.

"It's not going to be a pretty place but I’m looking forward to it. We have got a good team now.

"I think we should win and Davis Cup is back on the roll for me and I'm going to try my heart out when it comes."

Tomic will vie for singles duties with Marinko Matosevic, provided spearhead Lleyton Hewitt remains fit to lead the team.

The Wimbledon quarter-finalist said: "It was always a dream for me to play Davis Cup at a young age and you want to represent your country whenever you can and to get the opportunity back is huge and I’m really looking forward to it."

The winner of the April 5-7 tie in Namangan will earn a place in September's World Group playoffs.

Australia has lost in the World Group playoffs for the past three years.

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Ailing Tomic jeered in Miami

Second set surrender ... Bernie Tomic is booed during his loss to Andy Murray in Miami. Source: Lynne Sladky / AAP

Davis Cup-bound Bernard Tomic blamed illness after being jeered when humbled 6-3 6-1 by Andy Murray at the Miami Masters.

World No.45 Tomic managed to win only 10 points in the second set of their second round clash on a steamy Florida afternoon and he put his problems down to the effect of too much air-conditioning on a troublesome virus.

"I didn't play very good in the second set," acknowledged Tomic, who is also teaming with Lleyton Hewitt in doubles in Miami after being restored to the Australian Davis Cup team for its tie against Uzbekistan on April 5-7.

"I didn't feel at 100 per cent. I tried my best but it was not good enough.

"I've had some sort of flu for the last few days. I can't breath through my nose and I lose energy quickly on court.

"I felt good in my first round, but I must have slept under too much A/C.

"The match was played in very hot conditions, and I was soon struggling. After losing the first set it was going to be really difficult to come back from a set down."

Although Tomic offered little resistance in the second set, Murray wasn't sure that he deserved the jeers he heard from the crowd, who may have had memories of Tomic's US Open second round flogging from Andy Roddick last August, when he was accused of tanking by John McEnroe when losing the last set 6-0.

"The one thing I would say is that if you aren't used to playing in these conditions, it is extremely hot and tough to play," said Murray.

"It is tough when you're going behind and making quite a lot of mistakes.

"So I don't know. The crowd, they're free to do whatever they want."

Tomic, champion in Sydney in the run-up to the Australian Open, heads next to Munich when his doubles run is done in Miami to train with the Australian team for the Davis Cup tie in Uzbekistan.

Tomic said he was genuinely pleased to be back on the Davis Cup team. The 20-year-old Queenslander has won eight of his 10 singles rubbers and will be a welcome asset to skipper Pat Rafter in the Asia-Oceania Zone second-round tie.

"I'm very, very happy to be back on the team," said the player whose feud with Rafter exploded last year.

Tomic had originally said he would not be available for the upcoming tie after being left off the side which beat Chinese Taipei in February because of what Rafter called a lack of professionalism.

"I always want to play Davis Cup. I want to thank Pat for picking me," Tomic said.

"Wherever it is I'll always be happy to play for country.

"Lleyton has always told me what a huge thing Davis Cup is. We have a good chance to beat Uzbekistan. I'm back where I want to be, I'm looking forward to playing Davis Cup again and I'll give my best."

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Ailing Tomic jeered in Miami

Second set surrender ... Bernie Tomic is booed during his loss to Andy Murray in Miami. Source: Lynne Sladky / AAP

Davis Cup-bound Bernard Tomic blamed illness after being jeered when humbled 6-3 6-1 by Andy Murray at the Miami Masters.

World No.45 Tomic managed to win only 10 points in the second set of their second round clash on a steamy Florida afternoon and he put his problems down to the effect of too much air-conditioning on a troublesome virus.

"I didn't play very good in the second set," acknowledged Tomic, who is also teaming with Lleyton Hewitt in doubles in Miami after being restored to the Australian Davis Cup team for its tie against Uzbekistan on April 5-7.

"I didn't feel at 100 per cent. I tried my best but it was not good enough.

"I've had some sort of flu for the last few days. I can't breath through my nose and I lose energy quickly on court.

"I felt good in my first round, but I must have slept under too much A/C.

"The match was played in very hot conditions, and I was soon struggling. After losing the first set it was going to be really difficult to come back from a set down."

Although Tomic offered little resistance in the second set, Murray wasn't sure that he deserved the jeers he heard from the crowd, who may have had memories of Tomic's US Open second round flogging from Andy Roddick last August, when he was accused of tanking by John McEnroe when losing the last set 6-0.

"The one thing I would say is that if you aren't used to playing in these conditions, it is extremely hot and tough to play," said Murray.

"It is tough when you're going behind and making quite a lot of mistakes.

"So I don't know. The crowd, they're free to do whatever they want."

Tomic, champion in Sydney in the run-up to the Australian Open, heads next to Munich when his doubles run is done in Miami to train with the Australian team for the Davis Cup tie in Uzbekistan.

Tomic said he was genuinely pleased to be back on the Davis Cup team. The 20-year-old Queenslander has won eight of his 10 singles rubbers and will be a welcome asset to skipper Pat Rafter in the Asia-Oceania Zone second-round tie.

"I'm very, very happy to be back on the team," said the player whose feud with Rafter exploded last year.

Tomic had originally said he would not be available for the upcoming tie after being left off the side which beat Chinese Taipei in February because of what Rafter called a lack of professionalism.

"I always want to play Davis Cup. I want to thank Pat for picking me," Tomic said.

"Wherever it is I'll always be happy to play for country.

"Lleyton has always told me what a huge thing Davis Cup is. We have a good chance to beat Uzbekistan. I'm back where I want to be, I'm looking forward to playing Davis Cup again and I'll give my best."

View the original article here

Tomic ends Davis Cup exile

Exile Over ... Pat Rafter and Tennis Australia will welcome back Bernard Tomic for the Davis Cup. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

The Davis Cup standoff between Bernard Tomic and Tennis Australia is over.

Tomic, 20, revealed in Miami he will represent Australia against Uzbekistan in Namangan next month.

The Queenslander said in January he would boycott the tie in retaliation for being suspended by Cup captain Pat Rafter from February's Asia/Ocenia tie against Chinese Taipei.

Rafter, with the full support of TA, dumped Tomic for unprofessional conduct and lack of effort.

But after discussions between Rafter and Tomic, the impasse has ended.

Tomic's availability provides a serious boost to Australia's bid to break back into the World Group for 2014.

Despite saying he would wait until the middle of the year to decide on his Cup future, Tomic changed his mind.

"The Davis Cup is going to be held after this (Miami Masters)," Tomic said.

"We're going to train in Munich when everyone's done here and then play against Uzbekistan.

"It's not going to be a pretty place but I’m looking forward to it. We have got a good team now.

"I think we should win and Davis Cup is back on the roll for me and I'm going to try my heart out when it comes."

Tomic will vie for singles duties with Marinko Matosevic, provided spearhead Lleyton Hewitt remains fit to lead the team.

The Wimbledon quarter-finalist said: "It was always a dream for me to play Davis Cup at a young age and you want to represent your country whenever you can and to get the opportunity back is huge and I’m really looking forward to it."

The winner of the April 5-7 tie in Namangan will earn a place in September's World Group playoffs.

Australia has lost in the World Group playoffs for the past three years.

View the original article here