Police have launched an investigation after an Australian tennis player's coach was allegedly assaulted by a member of ground staff at the Birmingham Open. The incident occurred on Monday morning at the Edgbaston Priory Club, following a dispute over the use of practice courts.
Details of the Incident
According to James McCabe, who is ranked 234 in the world, his father and coach Patrick was involved in a disagreement with a staff member. Writing on Instagram, McCabe described the altercation as a "serious police-reported player/coach safety incident at the tournament venue." He added: "My account is that he was followed, physically handled by a staff member, and left in pain afterwards." McCabe, who lost his first-round match, confirmed on Wednesday morning that his father had gone to hospital as a result of the incident.
Police and Tournament Response
West Midlands Police stated: "We received a report of a man being assaulted at a venue in Sir Harrys Road, Birmingham on June 1. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing." The tournament, the first of the British grass-court season, features events on the second-tier ATP Challenger and WTA 125 tours. It is run by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). In a joint statement, the LTA, ATP, and Edgbaston Priory Club said: "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, June 1. 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."
