Forget clearing the air, says Australian Bernard Tomic. Until you change your evil ways, Tennis Australia!
Watch: Tomic Goes on Epic Rant vs. Rafter, Tennis Australia
Speaking while playing the Claro Open Colombia in Bogota, the outspoken Tomic ’s chief Steve Healy. Just days before, Healy had extended an olive branch to the estranged 22-year-old, saying he wanted to chat and bring him back into the fold before September’s Davis Cup semifinal between Australian and Great Britain.
But Tomic, who was arrested last week in Miami for causing a disturbance at a hotel, and who has been embroiled in controversy for the better part of his professional career, had other ideas.
“Until I am satisfied Tennis Australia is committed to funding the development of junior Australian talent, including my sister Sara, on a non-discriminatory basis, I do not believe there is any point in meeting with [them],” he said, according to Fox Sports Australia.
Tomic told reporters that he still wishes to become a part of the Davis Cup team, but based on his unwillingness to meet and discuss issues with his federation, it likely will not happen. “I am always ready, willing and able to play for Australia,” he said.
Tomic was suspended from last weekend’s Davis Cup tie in Darwin, Australia because of his attack on Tennis Australia during a press conference at Wimbledon. Earlier this week, Healy seemed to have a change of heart. "We want to offer Bernard the opportunity to raise the issues he has raised, so we can address those with him," he told the media. "We think the criticisms are unjustified—he needs to hear that.”
“Current TA administrators sacked me from the Davis Cup for comments I made at Wimbledon. I stand by those comments… I reserve the right to continue to speak my mind. My right to freedom of speech cannot be taken from me,” Tomic said, adding, “I will stick by my views.”