Bernard Tomic’s father, John, is threatening to sue Tennis Australia for defamation after the governing body misrepresented Tomic in an email, saying he was playing in the “Hall of Shame” Tournament instead of the “Hall of Fame”.
The error was quickly corrected 14 minutes after it was sent out, with an apology posted on Tennis Australia’s website. However, the Tomics aren’t exactly buying it, with John writing to Fairfax media.
The disgruntled father and coach claimed the shaming should have ended after Tomic wasn’t selected for the Davis Cup, following his outburst at Wimbledon.
“The Tomic family is very disappointed by TA’s continual shaming and misrepresentation of Bernard,” John wrote to Fairfax.
“Bernard has already been punished by his non-selection for the upcoming Davis Cup tie. Bernard accepted his sanction in a professional manner and was willing to move on. We point out that TA did inform Bernard on meeting in Wimblodon (sic) that his comments hurt people at TA and that, as a result, Craig T clear said to Bernard on meeting we will hurt you, not just that you no playing Davis Cup.
“It seems TA have commenced living up to their threat. How typically childish and arrogant of TA to permit publication of such material and then expect to get away with it. We have no alternative but to refer the matter to our legal people for advice.”
Tennis Australia is claiming the typo has left one of their employees completely distraught.
“The result listing before the Hall of Fame Championships, the Sharm El Sheikh event in Egypt, won by Astra Sharma, should provide some explanation as to how this error occurred. There was no malicious intent,” the governing body explained in their apology.
The controversy follows a stoush between Tomic, Kyrgios and Rafter – now the director of Tennis Australia – after the former tennis champion claimed the sport needs players “Australia can be proud of” in an article published by News Limited on Sunday.
Kyrgios posted a tweet saying: “Another negative comment out of Rafters mouth. Does this guy ever stop #everyoneisaworkinprogress.”
It was quickly deleted on Sunday morning.
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