Brydan Klein’s father takes stand after Tennis Australia bans him from Australian Open wildcard playoffs
In a widely publicized incident last week the head of men’s tennis for Tennis Australia, Todd Woodbridge, banned three home players from competing in this month’s Australian Open wildcard playoffs. Woodbridge cited the players’
rude and unprofessional behaviour as the reason for this action. One of these players is 20-year-old Brydan Klein.
While the punishment has generally been applauded as a good example to set for players who insist on misbehaving with court officials, Verne Klein seems to disagree. He is the father of Brydan Klein, and he recently ended his silence
by speaking out about the injustice he believes has been committed against his son. According to Verne, his son is not a “wild child”, nor does he have behavioural issues. Verne Klein says Brydan is simply a “well adjusted kid” who is being targeted by an
“overreacting” media, due to a racial slur he uttered against a rival 18 months ago in London.
Verne Klein accused Todd Woodbridge of making decisions based purely on negative and false media representation, in particular at the Eastbourne event last month in which Klein was reported to have verbally abused the tournament’s
stringer. Verne also said he was “disappointed” with the ban that prevents Klein from competing in the playoffs, and added that Woodbridge is “so conscious of publicity” that he wishes to avoid any negative press reports.
Brydan Klein, who represents Australia in the Davis Cup, has been under constant media attention since the two unfortunate incidents. His family and all his supporters feel harassed, and complain about the fact that the Klein family
is reminded repeatedly of his rudeness. This is particularly unfair when it is kept in mind that the player took part in over a 100 matches this year with no such incidents. His father says, “Brydan has played a total of 39 tournaments this year, two Grand
Slams, 13 at ATP level and 14 at futures level, a total of 111 matches with no incidents. In that time he has worked hard to lift his ranking from 468 in March to 211 at present.”
In addition to this, Verne Klein also gave examples of the work his son has done for charity, saying, “He has also played in charity and exhibition matches, donated time and money to various causes, coached local juniors and hit
with the WA state squad juniors. In Kalgoorlie he spent an afternoon at a local school working with Aboriginal children.”
Another source close the entire Klein family confirmed that the media has refused to let Brydan Klein forget about the incidents and move on, and his family is both hurt and stressed at the publicity and humiliation it has caused
them.
However, the pressure against the player has gotten so bad that many people are suggesting a permanent overseas move for him. It is difficult for Brydan Klein to come home, especially since there is no support for him; rather,
he feels embarrassed and humiliated since he and his family genuinely regret the unfortunate incidents that propelled this.
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