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FIFA World Cup 2026 posterAussie's dad "assaulted" at tennis event amid police probe
Christian Montegan • June 4th, 2026 9:20 am
Aussie tennis player James McCabe has issued a passionate plea for answers following an alleged assault on his father and coach, Patrick, by a tournament staff member at a Birmingham Challenger event.
McCabe, 22, told The First Serve that he was scheduled to warm up on his match court at 9:30am before his second round qualifying match against top seed Martin Damm Jr., which is normal professional practice, on Monday, June 1, and arrived at approximately 9:25am.
A staff member approached McCabe and his father near the match court/warm-up area. McCabe said that the staff member then began shouting and acting aggressively.
According to McCabe, the staff member followed both him and his dad for approximately 50 meters to a venue building doorway and shouted words to the effect of "I'm not letting you in", grabbed Patrick McCabe with both arms and slammed him into the door area.
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"The incident then continued near an indoor/ball-kid area where children and adult supervisors were present," McCabe told The First Serve. "My father says the staff member physically put his hands on him near a doorway.
"My understanding is that the staff member admitted to the police that he put his hands on my father, although the venue disputes the characterisation of assault."
As a result, Patrick jolted his neck, and he later attended the hospital for urgent care.
The incident was immediately reported to police, ATP, LTA, LTA Safeguarding, LTA Disciplinary, Tennis Australia Integrity, PTPA and tournament management.
"The key issue now is that there were adult witnesses present, including adult supervisors, and I am asking for those adult witness accounts to be properly identified, preserved and independently reviewed. I am not asking for children's details, and I am not posting children's faces or private footage publicly," the world No.234 explained.
"My dad has had previous C5 cervical spine surgery and is now in worsening pain with arm symptoms, pins and needles, shooting pain, dizziness and severe pain that stopped him sleeping last night.
"We asked for a proper doctor/GP assessment, but LTA/tournament staff confirmed in writing that the on-site spectator medical provision is emergency paramedics, not registered doctors with any specialism, and he was told to attend a local hospital for assessment and treatment."
McCabe, who reached a career-high of No.164 last year, shared that the incident occurred near an indoor/ball kid area where children and adult supervisors were present.
McCabe explained that the key witness issue remains unresolved. He states that he has repeatedly asked for the three adult/accredited witnesses to be identified and independently interviewed, but said he has not yet been told who they are or whether the statements have been taken.
The venue has since confirmed the following:
It says it is preserving relevant material.
The staff member will be kept away from James and Patrick while the former is competing.
Their investigation is being led internally.
LTA Safeguarding said the matter falls outside its safeguarding remit but referred it to the misconduct/disciplinary process.
"What I am asking for is simple: preserve CCTV, identify adult witnesses, take independent statements, protect my father and me from further contact, document the medical issue properly, and allow a fair independent process," McCabe said.
He mentioned that the camera/CCTV issue needs clarification, as he was told that the camera/CCTV access for the relevant area isn't available or that the camera isn't working.
McCabe told The First Serve that police have said it's a "he said she said without the witnesses", as factors including private property and the staff member's argument that he was protecting kids in the area were the reasons he wasn't brought in for further questioning.
The Sydneysider added that ATP safeguarding has not provided a clear written response.
McCabe confirmed that Tennis Australia Integrity is now involved, with Dan Stuk, Paul Kilderry and Nicole Kriz supporting from a welfare and integrity perspective.
Despite all of the chaos unfolding just one hour before his match, McCabe defeated his American opponent from a set down to qualify for the Birmingham 125 Challenger main draw.
