Djokovic: Shamed boss could come back
DISGRACED American Justin Gimelstob could be back involved in the running of the men’s game in the next few years, according to his long-time ally Novak Djokovic. Djokovic, the world No 1 and head of the ATP Player Council, described Gimelstob as the ‘biggest asset’ to the players in their quest to earn more money, prior to him stepping down from the main ATP Board before pleading ‘no contest’ to a serious assault charge. Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have assembled for the Madrid Open as their main preparation for the French Open at Roland Garros, with the latter making his first clay court appearance tonight. None of them spoke out before Gimelstob stepped down after growing outrage that he might get re-elected next week as a players’ representative on the board. Even yesterday Djokovic only said: ‘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. At the same time, these are kind of unfortunate circumstances and he needs to go back and try to find the right balance and the right state of mind before he eventually tries to come back.’ Jo Konta and Kyle Edmund have tough matches today. Edmund plays last month’s Monte Carlo champion Fabio Fognini, and Konta tackles French Open champion Simona Halep. Meanwhile, Katie Boulter will miss the French Open with the back injury she suffered in the Fed Cup last month, her coach Jeremy Bates has confirmed.