Tennis: Tomic's father accused of hitting player

John Tomic. Photo / Getty Images

Tennis Australia (TA) have confirmed Bernard Tomic's father John has been involved in an incident with his son's training partner.

Tomic senior, who is his coach, has reportedly been arrested for allegedly striking Frenchman Thomas Drouet.

He is believed to be facing court in Madrid on Monday.

Drouet is understood to have been knocked out and suffered a broken nose following a head-butt by Tomic.

Todd Woodbridge, the head of men's tennis for TA, said they were still trying to confirm the details.

"We're still trying to ascertain if or what charges have been laid,'' Woodbridge told 3AW radio.

The Tomics were in the Spanish capital preparing for the Madrid ATP tournament.

Woodbridge said reports that Bernard faced a potential 12-month suspension were incorrect.

"It's totally incorrect because this would have nothing to do with Bernard's behaviour.

"What's important for us at Tennis Australia is that this allegation is thrown toward John, his dad, and not to Bernard.''

Tennis journalist Matt Cronin said that he understood Drouet stepped in when Tomic tried to assault his son.

"He broke his nose with a head-butt and knocked him out cold for 20 minutes,'' Cronin told Fox Sports.

"John will appear in court in Madrid to answer to the charges.''

Cronin said the ATP had confirmed they were investigating the incident but wouldn't provide any details.

Meanwhile, Bernard Tomic continued his poor start to the European clay court season on Monday (AEST) as he lost 6-3 6-2 to Czech veteran Radek Stepanek in the first round of the Madrid Masters.

- AAP