(June 25, 2013) -- Instead of celebrating his first round victory, Australia's
Bernard Tomic continued to strongly support his father, John Tomic, who is banned from entering the grounds at this year's Wimbledon.
The elder Tomic is not allowed to purchase tickets or step foot inside the All-England Club per a joint decision made by officials at Wimbledon and the ATP Tour. This move came after Tomic was allowed to enter as a spectator at both the Queen's Club and Eastbourne events.
John Tomic is still under investigation for an alleged assault last month against his son's former hitting partner in Madrid. That incident caused ATP officials to suspend Tomic's father from receiving tournament credentials at future events.
More: John Tomic Arrested After Madrid Assault
In his post-match press conference after defeating American
Sam Querrey in five sets, Tomic wasted no time blaming the ATP, specifically executive vice-president Gayle Bradshaw, in forcing Wimbledon to ban his father from attending.
"Yeah, I'm not saying it's Wimbledon, they're harsh. I'm saying probably the ATP. It's their decision," Tomic said. "From what I know it's very disappointing, and I'm going to keep saying it, it is. From what they investigated about my dad, whoever is on the board, this guy called Gayle, he said clearly he was on the phone with my father and made a decision on behalf of that. You don't do that. If you're the ATP, you come on a flight, you have a meeting with whatever's wrong."
With his father unable to coach him, Tomic said that he is being supported by his trainer, hitting partner and a friend of his from Monaco during the fortnight. Despite enjoying his first round win, Tomic repeated that he wished his father was able to join him.
"He's my coach. My dad is my coach. He's not somebody that's just like a friend. It's very difficult," Tomic said.
Despite the ban, Tomic said that he is communicating with his father by phone. He will attempt to speak with Wimbledon officials about having the ban lifted but doesn't expect much in the way of a resolution.
"I'll try to talk to whoever I can here at Wimbledon. But, you know, like I said, Wimbledon's made their decision on behalf of the ATP. So at the end of the day, it's the ATP I've got to be talking to. They're not really going to do anything."
Tomic will next face
James Blake in the second round.