Melbourne, 7 May 2013 | tennis.com.au

Former Australian players are rallying behind Bernard Tomic to ensure the young player has the support he needs.

“The key for us in this whole thing is making sure that Bernard’s welfare is being taken care of,” Todd Woodbridge, Tennis Australia’s Head of Professional Tennis, told AAP on Tuesday.

Former player and Australian Davis Cup Coach Josh Eagle is in Madrid and on hand to provide Bernard with any assistance he may require. As well as Eagle, some of the biggest names in Australian tennis are also ready to assist the Australian No.1.

“Bernard’s got a really good relationship with Tony Roche, who’s become a really good mentor.

“And although there’s been some stuff written about Pat and Bernard, they really came together at the last Davis Cup tie in Namangan [against Uzbekistan in April].”

Overnight John Tomic appeared in a Madrid court, accused of headbutting Tomic’s hitting partner, Thomas Drouet. John Tomic denied the charge and will return to court on 14 May.

Tennis Australia continues to work with the ATP to determine the full facts of the incident and is maintaining close contact with Bernard to assist him to cope with this difficult situation.

Woodbridge has been in contact with Bernard to see how he is coping with this difficult situation.

“What’s important is that tennis will be a bit of a sanctuary for him,” said Woodbridge.

“This might not help his tennis in the short term, but Bernard has been really good at playing under these stresses and duress.”