Damir Dokic warned of Wimbledon expulsion
^{By AAP - July 1}

Damir Dokic, the volatile father of young Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic, was today warned he would be kicked out of Wimbledon -- and possibly face wider consequences -- if he caused any more scandal at the tournament.

The Yugoslavian-born former truck driver was questioned by police on Thursday after smashing a journalist's mobile phone on the ground, lashing out at the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and making obscene gestures towards a female American reporter.

His 17-year-old daughter had to retrieve him from the police rooms after her second round win over Spaniard Gala Leon Garcia, after which a clearly inebriated Dokic left the grounds voluntarily.

It was the fourth time in a year Dokic had been publicly humiliated by her controversial father, who is ranked in tennis circles among a handful of the most notorious "tennis dads".

When she finally faced the press yesterday, Dokic stood by her father, insisting his antics were not distracting her from her tennis, and saying she enjoyed having him with her on tour.

But Wimbledon bosses, the All England Club, and the WTA tour made it clear that if the bad behaviour continued, Damir Dokic would be barred from Wimbledon, and that there were also possible ramifications in regard to the rest of the tour.

In a statement, the All England Club said: "The interests of the players are always a major concern.

"However, following discussions with the Sanex WTA tour in light of yesterday's incident, we will be monitoring the conduct of Mr Dokic closely.

"Should this again fall below acceptable standards, it would lead to Mr Dokic being banned from the grounds."

WTA chief executive Bart McGuire said the WTA support the All England Club's statement, and said it would support Mr Dokic's removal from Wimbledon "if future disruptions occur".

He also warned: "The Sanex WTA Tour will be reviewing the situation separately and will take appropriate action if necessary once the facts are clear."

The WTA has used its powers in regard to wayward fathers before, most notably banning Mary Pierce's father Jim from all tour events in the mid-1990s.

Dokic, whose quarter of the singles draw has no seeds left, was the centre of attention as she played in doubles matches yesterday. She was watched by her father, but the match passed without incident.

Around 10 photographers -- probably the highest number on tiny court four for years -- lined up behind the players' chairs to watch Dokic as she and Jennifer Capriati beat Conchita Martinez and Patricia Tarabini in the second round.

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