The man who coached Bernard Tomic for a decade has accused the controversial star of "greed", believing Tennis Australia should have cut off his funding long ago.
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Tomic unleashed an extraordinary tirade at Pat Rafter and TA officials, accusing them of showing him a lack of respect. The 22-year-old went on the attack after his straight-sets loss to world No.1 Novak Djokovic, describing Rafter as a "good actor" and "mask".
Veteran tennis coach Neil Guiney, who helped guide Tomic into the professional ranks after taking him on as a precocious seven-year-old, said his former pupil was "spoilt".
"I think it's just greed," Guiney told Fairfax Media.
"You feed them too well, they want more. It might have been a good idea [for Tennis Australia] to cut their money off earlier and make them more self-reliant in the early days.
"It's a pity, he's not short of money. They get incredible money just to lose the first round at Wimbledon, it's a hell of a lot of money."
Guiney had a strong working relationship with Tomic throughout their association, but often butted heads with his domineering dad, John. The 83-year-old said Tomic appeared to be channelling his father in his latest tirade.
"It sounded more like John than Bernard talking to me," Guiney said.
"They have received a hell of a lot of help from Tennis Australia, Bernard has earned a lot of money from winnings and sponsorship, there has been a lot of money flowing around.
"They just get used to receiving it and when it's cut off they just can't believe it. As for what Bernard said, it's like what he's heard his father say many times. John tends to rant and yell and it's a bit like father, like son.
"Whether Bernard will ever break away from those habits he's lived with for years, I wouldn't know. But I hope so.
"He's playing better tennis, he's fitter than he's ever been and there are some good signs there. It would be wise to keep his thoughts in his head and not blast out like that."