Novak Djokovic backs big asset Justin Gimelstob’s wise decision to step down

World No.1 Novak Djokovic insists Justin Gimelstob made a right decision to quit his post on the ATP Board. However, Djokovic didn’t close the door on a possible return for the 42-year-old. The American was sentenced following assault charges. Gimelstob pleaded no contest and was given three years’ probation and 60 hours of community service by a Los Angeles court “Under the circumstances it was a wise decision from his side and it’s been a very hot topic in the last period,” he is quoted as saying in Metro.co.uk. “And it’s unfortunate because I think he has been probably the biggest asset that players had in the last ten-plus years that he’s been on the tour representing players. 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. I think just at this point it was better for him to step down because the whole case was just posing so much pressure and obstacles for the tour in general, but specifically for players. And, yeah, so I think it was a good decision.”

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