Former top 20 player Bernard Tomic has said that Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt has made false claims about being blackmailed.
The argument between the two, which has engulfed Tennis Australia, took a turn for the worse on Thursday. During what was an extraordinary press conference, Hewitt told reporters that he would never allow Tomic to play in the Davis Cup whilst he was in charge. Saying that his family has been previously threatened by the player. Going on to say that Tomic tried to blackmail him by demanding wildcard’s and refusing to play in Davis Cup ties.
“I think the threats that I have received for me and my family, that I’ve had for a year-and-a-half now, I don’t think anyone would reach out to a person that speaks like that,” Hewitt said.
“For me the biggest frustration is that I feel like I really went out of my way to help Bernie, especially when I first came into the role (as Davis Cup captain),” he added.
Hewitt’s claims of threats have been backed by comments made by Tomic earlier this week. Speaking to News Corp Australia, the 26-year-old was quoted as saying ‘‘Two years ago, I said ‘If he ever tries to talk to me, I’ll knock him out.’’
Nevertheless, Tomic has denied allegations that he had threatened Hewitt’s family. Calling the former world No.1 a ‘liar’ before claiming that he isn’t liked by the general public. Echoing similar comments he made earlier week.
“I have never threatened his family,” Tomic told News Corp Australia. “Nice, Lleyton. To think how low of a person you actually [are] and [it’s] why the Australian public never liked you. I got nothing to do with your family and I don’t care what’s wrong with you, you liar.”
The complex relationship between Hewitt and Tomic deteriorated rapidly following Tomic’s first round loss at the Australian Open. Speaking to reporters after, he accused his compatriot of damaging their national tennis association. Claiming that both Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios doesn’t want to play in the men’s team tournament because of Hewitt. Something that has not been confirmed by either player.
”It’s all Lleyton. I’m going to say it honestly – no one likes him anymore,” said Tomic, who blames him for divisions within Tennis Australia.
“He’s just doing the wrong thing. He’s playing Davis Cup – I thought he was retired. You know what I mean?
“He used to hate Tennis Australia. It’s weird. And now he loves them. What’s happened here?
“But I guess he’s using them for other things and resources and … yep. And it’s for his pay cheque, yep.”
It is unclear as to how the spat between the two will be resolved. The head of performance at Tennis Australia, Wally Mansur, had previously suggested a meeting between the two. Although this now looks increasingly unlikely.
Hewitt played in the Australian Open doubles draw with John-Patrick Smith. The duo lost their first round match on Thursday.
