By Mike Dickson
Published: 14:06 GMT, 17 January 2019 | Updated: 15:57 GMT, 17 January 2019
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Australian tennis descended into civil war on Thursday after former Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt alleged that he had suffered threats and blackmail from outcast star Bernard Tomic.
Davis Cup captain Hewitt launched a ferocious response to accusations from his controversial compatriot that he exercises a regime based on favouritism, particularly when it comes to handing out wildcards.
Tomic also asserted that the ex-world No 1 is unpopular among current players, and has told Australian media that there would be consequences if Hewitt came 'within one metre of me.' Never one to take things lying down, the 37 year-old captain fired back after being knocked out of the doubles first round.
Lleyton Hewitt has hit back at Bernard Tomimc in their escalating war of words
Tomic has accused the Australian Davis Cup captain of favouring certain players over others
'We're trying to set cultural standards for the Davis Cup and representing Australia. He hasn't really been close to those in the last couple of years,' he said.
'For me it was probably the abuse that I copped from him that made me draw a line in the sand. I haven't spoken to him since. He won't play Davis Cup again while I have anything to do with it.
'I think the threats that I've received - to me and my family - that I've had for a year and a half now, I don't think anyone would reach out
