Novak Djokovic is standing in solidarity with Justin Gimelstob as he battles legal issues.
Last month, Gimelstob pled not guilty to felony aggravated battery in a Halloween assault, while prosecutors claim they have video evidence of the assault.
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If convicted, the 41-year-old Gimelstob faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for the alleged Halloween attack on venture capitalist Randall Kaplan.
Gimelstob, who has taken a leave of absence from his position as Tennis Channel analyst, has retained his post on the ATP board.
ATP Player Council president Djokovic said he's comfortable with Gimbelstob continuing to sit on the board.
The six-time Australian Open champion said if Gimelstob is found guilty of assault "that's a completely different situation."
"I am comfortable, as are all of the council members," Djokovic told the media in Melbourne in comments published by the Telegraph. "Obviously, that’s an ongoing process and trial. Those are all allegations at the moment.
"If he is proven guilty, that’s a completely different situation for us and we have to address it. He’s been someone that has always fought for the players’ rights and represented players in a great way."
Gimelstob, who formerly coached John Isner, is due back in court on January 31st.
The 31-year-old Serbian said he was shocked by rival Andy Murray's retirement announcement.
"It's a shocker for me, honestly, because we are the same age, same generation," Djokovic said. "And it's kind of sad to see him going through what he has been going through in the last couple of years with his injuries.
"As someone who has been through a major injury with my elbow in the last couple of years, I can definitely empathize with him and relate to what he's going through. Obviously, probably the extent of his injuries is even worse than mine. Hips and he had a back injury and so forth. I practiced with him a couple of days ago and chatted with him a little bit.
"He's a great champion," Djokovic said of Murray. "He's a friend of mine that I grew up with ever since we were 11, 12 years old, we know each other, we've been rivals and we've played some epic matches all over the world so it's kind of sad to know he might play his last Australian Open."
Photo credit: Justin Gimelstob Instagram