Bernard Tomic has parted ways with Belgian coach Xavier Malisse, returning his father John to the role full-time.
Malisse worked with the Tomics earlier this year, including a semi-final run at the Stockholm Open in October, but has not been retained for December training and Bernard’s Australian Open lead-up, now to include a stop at the Brisbane International on January 4.
“(Malisse) is a very good guy and I tried with him that one tournament where I played very good and had chances to beat (Bulgaria’s world No.11 Grigor) Dimitrov in the semis,” Tomic said at the Gold Coast today.
“I thought I would give it one week. I wasn’t used to spending time with coaches and stuff. I saw what he had to offer and in the end I stick with my dad as (a coach) who has worked for me throughout my years.
“I’m working with my dad and have a good fitness team around me.
“Hopefully the new year will be bright and I have seven weeks to get fit and strong for Brisbane. It’s very important for me to just work and stay injury-free.”
John Tomic was suspended last year after Bernard’s then hitting partner, Thomas Drouet, claimed he was head-butted and left with a broken nose following a heated argument. John was slapped with a one-year ATP event ban and was only permitted to return to Bernard’s matches in May this year.
“He’s very important. It’s been one year and to have him on the side is very good and he knows a lot about my tennis,” Bernard said at the time.
“This is an opportunity for me where I’ve missed him the last year and I get to have him back, which is good.”
Tomic will prepare for the summer schedule on home soil with a new conditioner next week before he is set to feature at both the Brisbane and Sydney International, where he will look to defend runner-up points from last January’s loss to Juan Martin del Potro in the final.
Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images.
