Damir Dokic was yesterday banned from the US Open after a bust-up in the players' lounge. The father and coach of 17-year-old Australia's Jelena Dokic was thrown out of Flushing Meadows after a row over food prices in the players' restaurant.

And the Yugoslavian-born former wrestler was told to stay away for the duration of the tournament.

US organisers acted swiftly to make sure there would be no repeat. Jay Snyder, US Open tournament director, said in a statement last night:

"Damir Dokic, the father of Jelena Dokic, was removed from the grounds as a result of abusive behaviour in the players' lounge earlier today.

"He will not be allowed back on the grounds for the remainder of the US Open. The Sanex WTA Tour was consulted and fully supports the decision."

The incident came after daughter Jelena had partnered Amanda Hopmans of the Netherlands to a 06 7-5 6-2 victory over Britain's Julie Pullin and Yuka Yoshida of Japan in the women's doubles.