Bernard Tomic has been suspended and fined by the International Tennis Federation for walking off court in Perth in December. The incident happened at a minor ITF event in Perth. Bernard who won the junior Australian Open last year, had risked a permanent ban from the sport by the ITF.

The 16-year-old Australian has been barred from all ITF Pro Circuit tournaments until April 6. He has also been fined $1560 for behaviour described as "major offences of aggravated behaviour".

After arguing with officials that Marinko Matosevic, his son's opponent, was allegedly foot faulting regularly - and getting away with it, John Tomic demanded his son leave the court. He was automatically defaulted.

John Tomic, who was ordered to make a public apology by TA, has privately described the experience as the most humiliating of his life.

Tennis Australia director of player development Craig Tiley last month said the Tomics had been counselled and he did not expect a repeat of the behaviour.

"John knows and Bernard knows that (defaulting) is against the rules," Tiley said. "You don't walk off the court without a reason. You get punished for that."


(photo/Darren England)

Bernard Tomic suspended for walking off court