Australian tennis player accuses tournament staffer of assaulting father

Australian tennis player James McCabe has accused a member of staff at the Birmingham Open of assaulting his father and coach Patrick, in an incident that was reported to local police and left him in urgent care at a local hospital.

The 22-year-old world No.234 said he was preparing to warm up for a scheduled match when the accused staff member began shouting and acting aggressively before following them to a building and eventually laying hands on his father in front of ball kid area.

McCabe has now accused the venue of denying them footage of the incident and has asked eyewitnesses to come forward.

“My father says the staff member physically put his hands on him near a doorway. My understanding is that the staff member admitted to the police that he put his hands on my father, although the venue disputes the characterisation of assault,” McCabe told The First Serve.

“The key issue now is that there were adult witnesses present, including adult supervisors, and I am asking for those adult witness accounts to be properly identified, preserved and independently reviewed. I am not asking for children’s details, and I am not posting children’s faces or private footage publicly.”

According to the Telegraph in London, West Midlands Police said they had “received a report of a man being assaulted at a venue in Sir Harrys Road, Birmingham on 1 June. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.”

McCabe said his father has a history of back injuries which were aggravated by the incident.

“My dad has had previous C5 cervical spine surgery and is now in worsening pain with arm symptoms, pins and needles, shooting pain, dizziness and severe pain that stopped him sleeping last night.

“We asked for a proper doctor/GP assessment, but LTA/tournament staff confirmed in writing that the on-site spectator medical provision is emergency paramedics, not registered doctors with any specialism, and he was told to attend a local hospital for assessment and treatment.”

A joint statement provided to the Telegraph from the Edgbaston Priory Club, Lawn Tennis Association and the ATP, said inquiries continue.

“There is an ongoing investigation being led by Edgbaston Priory Club with support from the ATP and LTA in relation to an incident during the Lexus Birmingham Open on Monday 1st June.

“This incident involves an allegation made against a member of Edgbaston Priory Club staff by a player’s coach and is currently being reviewed by an investigating officer.

“We will be making no further comment whilst the investigation is ongoing.”

More to come