Novak: Gimelstob, Kermode Could Return

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Novak: Gimelstob, Kermode Could Return

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic supports Justin Gimelstob's resignation from the ATP board of directors—and suggests the former Tennis Channel analyst could eventually return to the sport.

The 42-year-old Gimelstob ended his 11-year run on the ATP board of directors last week, resigning after he was sentenced to three years probation for a Halloween night assault in Los Angeles.

Watch: Federer Wants ATP to Grow Post-Gimelstob

ATP player council president Djokovic said he supported Gimelstob's "wise decision" because "the whole case was just posing so much pressure and obstacles for the tour, in general, but specifically for players."

Djokovic called Gimelstob "probably the biggest asset" for ATP players in the last decade and suggests he could return to the sport.

"It's unfortunate, because I think he has been probably the biggest asset that players had in the last 10-plus years that he's been on the tour, representing players," Djokovic said. "But at the same time, these are kind of unfortunate circumstances, and he needs to go back and deal with that — deal with that case and try to find the right balance and the right state of mind — before he eventually tries to come back."

Gimelstob voted against extending ATP president Chris Kermode's contract.

In light of Gimelstob's resignation, some players, including Roger Federer, have said Kermode should be back in the mix to continue as ATP chief. Djokovic said Kermode can be considered.

"He has the right to be on the ballot again," Djokovic said of Kermode. "He has the right to be a candidate, officially, for another mandate. Look, I don't know whether he wants to do that or not. I haven't spoken to him about it. If this happens, yeah, why not, I mean in our sport we need as many of quality candidates as possible.

"He's someone that has been president for quite a few years and knows the tour inside out. But it's going to be an important and interesting process for us of recruitment as well. I think several companies have been engaged in recruiting process and research so hopefully we can have quality candidates inside of tennis and outside of sport so we can see what's best for us."

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

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