Police have launched an investigation after Australian tennis player James McCabe reported that his father and coach, Patrick McCabe, was assaulted at the Lexus Birmingham Open, an ATP Challenger 125 event. The incident allegedly occurred on Monday, 1 June, at the Edgbaston Priory Club venue.
In a statement posted on Instagram on Tuesday, James McCabe claimed a staff member 'physically handled' his father, leaving him in pain. He said the matter was reported immediately and that the venue confirmed it would preserve CCTV footage and keep the staff member away from the family. However, McCabe raised concerns about the lack of adult witness statements and the absence of a registered doctor for medical assessment.
A joint statement from Edgbaston Priory Club, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and the ATP on Wednesday confirmed an ongoing investigation led by the club with support from the governing bodies. '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,' the statement read, adding that no further comment would be made while the investigation continues.
West Midlands Police confirmed they received a report of an assault at the venue on 1 June. 'No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing,' a spokesperson said, urging anyone with information to contact them quoting log 1242 of 1 June.
