Police are investigating allegations that a coach was assaulted by a member of grounds staff at Birmingham's largest tennis tournament. The incident occurred during the Birmingham Open at Edgbaston Priory Club on Monday, June 1.
Player's Account
Australian tennis player James McCabe, ranked 234th in the world, claimed that the altercation arose from a dispute over the use of practice courts between his father and coach, Patrick McCabe, and a staff member. Writing on Instagram, McCabe described the event as a “serious police-reported player/coach safety incident at the tournament venue.” He stated, “My account is that he was followed, physically handled by a staff member, and left in pain afterwards.”
Police Response
West Midlands Police confirmed in a statement: “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.” McCabe, who lost his first-round match, revealed on Wednesday morning that his father had sought hospital treatment as a result of the incident.
Tournament Context
The Birmingham Open marks the beginning of the British grass-court season and features events on the ATP Challenger and WTA 125 tours. The tournament is organized by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).
Official Statement
A joint statement from the LTA, the ATP, and Edgbaston Priory Club read: “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.”
