Despite being allegedly bashed by a gang of youths while visiting Melbourne for the Australian Open, an American father and son have said they'll be back.

The prominent physician travelled from Pennsylvania with his 17 year old son who loves tennis and has been playing for about six years.

It was meant to be the trip of a lifetime for both of them - neither of them had visited Australia before.

But last Wednesday night, the pair left the Open and were walking back to their hotel in the city when the alleged offenders confronted them near the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Edmund Pribitkin was left black and blue. (9NEWS)

The American tourists spoke to 9NEWS today about the ordeal. (9NEWS)

The prominent physician had travelled to Melbourne to watch the Open with his son, Edik.(9NEWS)

Edik Pribitkin told 9NEWS the group first demanded cigarettes but then asked for their belongings.

He and his dad, Edmund, tried to escape- but that's when the gang allegedly attacked them.

"Anything from hitting me in the head, kicking and trying to pull me to the ground," the teenage victim recalled.

Edik's father was more seriously beaten, with a photo showing him black and blue in the Alfred Hospital in the days after the alleged assault.

He was allegedly knocked unconscious.

"This is a random act, it can happen anywhere in the world," Edmund said. (9NEWS)

"I landed on the ground on my left side and I was assaulted at that point, then I blacked out," Edmund told 9NEWS.

Edmund endured reconstructive surgery in hospital and has titanium plates inserted into his face as a result of the violence.

Despite their horrific ordeal, neither Edik nor Edmund hold anything against Melbourne.

"This is a random act, it can happen anywhere in the world," Edmund said.

"It is a magical city, you have some of the friendliest folks on Earth here."

Edmund became emotional when thanking the people who helped them immediately after the alleged attack.

The alleged attack unfolded near the Royal Botanic Gardens. (9NEWS)

Edmund had reconstructive surgery in The Alfred Hospital. (9NEWS)

"The police officers and first responders, my thanks and hearts go out to them...they put their lives on the line, literally every day for us," he said.

Police have charged five teenagers and are still searching for several other people believed to be involved in the incident.

The Pribitkin family will return home to the US tomorrow, but said they'll be back to visit Melbourne again.

Today, Edik and his mother were guests of Tennis Australia, invited to watch some tennis at the Australian Open before making the journey home.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000