NewsBite

Bernard Tomic open to discussing his feud with Lleyton Hewitt on one condition

Australian tennis outcast Bernard Tomic says he is willing to thrash out his differences with Lleyton Hewitt – but there’s a catch.

EXPLAINER: Tennis Australia backs Hewitt in Tomic row

Bernard Tomic is willing to take part in peace talks to end Australia’s tennis civil war – with a catch.

On the Gold Coast preparing for US tournaments after the Australian Open, Tomic said he was prepared to thrash out his differences with Lleyton Hewitt.

But not in person.

Responding to Tennis Australia’s performance director Wally Masur’s suggestions the pair’s ugly spat could be resolved across a table, Tomic said: “Yeah, (but) I’m on the Gold Coast.”

Asked if he would participate, he said: “Yeah, on Skype.”

COUNT YOUR MILLIONS, MANNERS COST NOTHING

C’MON LLEYTON: HEWITT’S REPLY TO TOMIC WAS WEAK

Masur, who enjoyed a healthy working relationship as Davis Cup captain, wants the feud resolved.

“What I want to get away from is the public tennis game between Bernie and Lleyton being played out in the media,” Masur said.

Let’s talk: Bernard Tomic is open to peace talks
Let’s talk: Bernard Tomic is open to peace talks

“I’d rather those guys got in a room and they sort it out privately ... and I think there’s a chance.

“The tournament is in full swing. I wouldn’t say it’s on both of their agendas at the moment but it would be something I am keen to explore.”

Tomic laid bare his contempt for former ally Hewitt after first-round Australian Open defeat to Marin Cilic.

Claiming the former world No 1 was divisive and selfish, Tomic intensified his attacks by taunting Hewitt “to come one metre from me if he is a man.”

Tomic continues to stand by claims Hewitt has “ruined the system”, marginalising Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis.

“No-one likes him anymore,” Tomic said after first-round Australian Open defeat.

“He’s just doing the wrong thing.

“He’s playing Davis Cup – I thought he was retired.”

Hewitt fended off the tirade, saying it was “Bernie being Bernie and losing and going on and complaining.”

Australia's Bernard Tomic made frank comments about Lleyton Hewitt
Australia's Bernard Tomic made frank comments about Lleyton Hewitt

Masur pointed to Hewitt and Tomic’s previously good relationship.

“And these guys have quite a past,” he said.

“Maybe there’s a sense of frustration from Lleyton that Bernie hasn’t maximised his potential.”

Tomic described Hewitt as a “fake person” driven by self interest.

He claimed Kokkinakis and Kyrgios are unwilling to play under Hewitt in the current environment.

Kokkinakis said he was disappointed to be overlooked for a wildcard in preference on Hewitt’s orders to lower-ranked Alex Bolt and Alexei Popyrin – both of whom won their first-rounds.

Bernard Tomic lost his opening round clash against Marin Cilic
Bernard Tomic lost his opening round clash against Marin Cilic

Marc Polmans also was preferred to Kokkinakis, who would not comment on Tomic’s claims.

Kyrgios was also guarded on his Davis Cup future because of injury and form.

However, he said he is available for selection.

Perth’s Matt Ebden said Tomic’s bombshell tirade contained elements which need attention.

“There’s clearly some issues that need to be addressed with the players and Tennis Australia, with Davis Cup and the players,” he said.

“I’m not going to lie, there’s definitely some issues that need to be resolved on both sides.”

While Hewitt has been strongly supported by John Newcombe, Roger Rasheed, Todd Woodbridge and others, Pat Cash said claims of inappropriate preferential treatment need to be investigated.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/tennis/bernard-tomic-open-to-discussing-his-feud-with-lleyton-hewitt-but-theres-one-condition/news-story/a8ea142f13f5027a4077a46c7be30c7a