To recap today's tennis news: John Tomic, Bernie's father and coach, was arrested today in Madrid for allegedly assaulting his son's hitting partner, Thomas Drouet. There are also reports of Bernie being physically abused by his father at Monte Carlo, coming away from the attack bleeding.
First, let's all remember that Bernie Tomic is only 20 years old. He's still a kid, as talented as he is. He's been put in an incredibly tough, high-pressure situation. He still really cares for his dad and it would have been hard to criticize Bernie for not getting rid of him from the very first signs of danger.
But after today, enough is enough.
This relationship, as it stands right now, is not working. Whatever pressure he may feel at home or around his family should disappear on the tennis court. Unfortunately for Bernie, his family life and his career have bled together to form a private-turned-public hell. The only way to achieve clarity is to remove his dad from his tennis completely.
We've all seen the crazed parent of a star athlete of all stages, from elementary school soccer to professional tennis. None of their children benefit by their over-involvement. In Bernie's case, he's clearly being negatively affected by his father's antics. I can't help but think back to all the times Bernie has lacked in effort and translate those instances into mental exhaustion. With his father being so close in proximity day-in and day-out, both Bernie's immediate and distant future is at great risk of being completely derailed.
Bernie is at a crossroads, but I don't think it could come at a better time. Should he get rid of his dad once and for all, he may finally feel free of the emotional burden tennis has brought him and let his all-court talent, and love for the game, shine through. No one deserves this treatment from anyone, let alone their own parent. I hope Bernie understands this.
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