Novak Djokovic "got his wish" but Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will not "be happy" as ATP President & Exec Chair Chris Kermode was "voted out" on Thursday. The "war that has been playing out in the backroom of men’s tennis" came to a "messy ending" when it was announced Kermode "would not be extending his six-year term." In January, Player Council President Djokovic "reportedly suggested opting against extending Kermode’s time in charge." He would not "confirm his vote," citing Thursday's meeting’s confidentiality. The 10-man Player Council was "reportedly split 5-5 on the decision of whether or not Kermode should continue." Nadal said before the vote, "He is a good guy, who did good things for our sport and it would be good if he stays for a while more." Federer was also reportedly "supportive" of Kermode (NEWS.com.au, 3/8).
Possible replacements for Kermode include 42-year-old American Justin Gimelstob, an ATP board member and former player, and Anne Worcester, a former CEO of the WTA (REUTERS, 3/7). The "tensions at the heart of the ATP could make this job look like a poisoned chalice" (London TELEGRAPH, 3/7).
