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[Aileen]

Also now I'm wondering if there's another kind of connection. Australia has a quite rigid immigration policy so when were Tomics' allowed in? Before or after he displayed such talent?

According to his wikipedia, the Tomics emigrated to Queensland when he was 3 years old, or 5 years old, whichever story you believe, but still a little early for his talent to be recognised I would have thought.

Not sure about Austrailian immigration policy but they do seem to be quite happy to admit talented sportsmen/women - particularly tennis players!

Yes - but Zola Budd shows quite clearly that the UK is guilty of the same thing, and I suspect that goes for a few other countries as well, although, of course, our immigration policy has always been far too lenient and shows little signs of improving.

[Aileen]

Why am I not surprised at this ...?! [skynews.com.au, 14 Feb]

Tomic pleads not guilty to charges

Rising tennis star Bernard Tomic has pleaded not guilty in a Gold Coast court to two traffic offences.

The 19-year-old has been charged with crossing over double lines and failing to stop in an incident that led to a stand off with police at his Southport home.

No bail was set in the Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday and the matter was adjourned for mention in April.

Police and Tomic's lawyers will take part in case conferencing to discuss the matter before then.

Outside the court, lawyer Chris Nyst said his client was facing minor charges and, contrary to some media reports, there was 'no suggestion of hooning'.

'... there's no suggestion of irresponsible driving, dangerous driving, anything of that nature,' he told reporters.

'They're the most minor matters as has been recognised by the court today.

'We're going to speak to police about them and see what happens from there.'

Asked if he would be buying another high-powered car, Tomic laughed and replied 'not here' before Mr Nyst said his client would not comment on any aspect of the court case.

However the young star said the case had not affected his performance on the court.

'It's not a big deal, I'm playing well,' he said.

'I played well in the Davis Cup, we won five-love, and I hope this year will be a good year for me.'

Tomic was pulled over in his V8 BMW M3 on Albert Avenue at Broadbeach around 12.40pm (AEST) on Australia Day and given a $300 infringement notice, before being booked again two and a half hours.

At the time, police said the tickets were for driving a high-powered vehicle in breach of the special conditions of his licence.

After being issued with the second ticket, Tomic was followed home by a police car with lights flashing. He parked his car in the driveway behind locked security gates and refused to speak to police until his lawyer arrived.

Police later issued a statement alleging Tomic had failed to stop for officers after being issued with the second ticket.

He was charged with failing to stop his car and with not keeping to the left of double dividing lines on the road.

The matter is due to return to court on April 5.

[robbie]

But he,s still got his car.

[Aileen]

Bad week for Tomic - split with his girlfriend and now out of Indian Wells in 1st round defeat to Gilles Muller 4-6 7-6 6-0.

He's young - he'll get over the split fairly quickly.  At least he sounds upbeat about it.

[craighateslife]

Watched Bernard's match today

Just goes to show how well Judy has handled her son , Tomic's dad looks as if he puts a heck of a lot of pressure on young Bernard

[Littlebuddha]

Yes I heard he was very controlling and will not take advice from other coaches.

[Littlebuddha]

Mr Smug has just won 2 sets to love. But Harrison came back from 5 - 3 to force a tie break. Mr Smug won  the tie break 7 - 1