An Australian tennis player has accused a member of staff at the Lawn Tennis Association-run Birmingham Open of assaulting his father.
James McCabe, 22, was due to start his warm-up before his qualifying match against Martin Damm Jr on Monday. He has alleged that he and his father, Patrick McCabe, 60, who is also his coach, were approached by a member of staff shouting at them.
McCabe says the pair tried to de-escalate the situation and walk away, but claim they were followed for about 50 metres. They attempted to go through a door to remove themselves and were allowed in by someone on the other side.
It is alleged the staff member shouted at and grabbed Patrick and “slammed/forced him into the door area” near “50 children/ball kids and three adult/accredited staff witnesses”.
West Midlands Police said: “We have received a report of a man being assaulted at a venue in Sir Harrys Road, Birmingham on 1 June. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.”
McCabe said: “My dad has previous C5/C6 cervical spine surgery. Since the incident, he has had worsening arm pain, pins and needles, shooting pain, dizziness and severe pain that stopped him sleeping.
“We called 999 multiple times and attended Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. He has urgent care follow-up today [Wednesday].”
According to documents seen by Telegraph Sport, the LTA confirmed the on-site player doctor could not see members of a player’s support team or coaches.
The tournament clarified that the “spectator medical provision” available on site consisted only of emergency paramedics, not registered doctors with any specialism.
The player’s father was directed to attend a local hospital for medical assessment and treatment. He went to hospital on Tuesday, where he was in a waiting room for approximately three hours before returning to a hotel to sleep.
“This happened about one hour before I had to play my match, which I still had to go out and play,” McCabe said.
McCabe has asked for the adults who witnessed the incident to be identified and CCTV/camera footage preserved.
Regarding the outcome of the police involvement, an email from Claire Daniel-Lepore, the chief executive of Edgbaston Priory Club, where the Birmingham Open is hosted, claims that the police “have confirmed they are taking no further action”.
However, further emails note the McCabes reserve their rights to pursue a Victims’ Right to Review regarding any “no further action” (NFA) decision. They argue the police should review the newly gathered hospital records, CCTV and independent adult witness statements before making a final determination.
A joint statement from the Edgbaston Priory Club, LTA and ATP 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 1st June.
“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.”