SPORT Tennis boss faces return court date

US tennis identity Justin Gimelstob returns to court this coming week over claims of alleged violence and threats to kill as one of the sport’s most powerful organisations grapples with the issue.

Gimelstob sits on the ATP Tour board and has the support of the player council, led by Novak Djokovic.

But his continued presence in a position of immense influence is a growing concern for several current and former players after his arrest for allegedly attacking former friend Randall Kaplan.

Gimelstob is alleged to have repeatedly struck Kaplan from behind, delivering up to 50 blows while dressed as a Top Gun pilot.

The attack prompted Lleyton Hewitt to challenge the ATP Tour to “lead by example” ahead of next month’s Australian Open.

The player council will meet via conference call after Wednesday’s scheduled court appearance.

Gimelstob stepped down from his role as analyst with the Tennis Channel but has continued on the ATP board, effectively continuing to represent Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and others. He retains the support of the majority of the player council, who removed Roger Rasheed from the board after the South Australian supported a pay deal disapproved by Djokovic and others.

Djokovic is believed to have supported Gimelstob’s push for a much larger pay increase – a manoeuvre viewed as shallow and predatory.

Released on bail following the alleged attack, Gimelstob has also been placed on a restraining order from Kaplan.

News of the alleged attack was followed by claims in Britain’s The Telegraph that Gim- elstob has a “pattern of violence”, reportedly involving his estranged wife.

A mediocre player, Gimelstob ruffled feathers at Wimbledon in July with his excessive courtside behaviour during John Isner’s semi-final clash with Kevin Anderson.

Fist-pumping and yelling, he repeatedly roared support for Isner in a display which sickened former champions and current players.

Isner and Anderson both sit on the player council.

With his ally David Edges returning to the board to replace Rasheed, Gimelstob seems safe on the board.