Gilbert is the highest-profile candidate yet to possibly take over the ATP president roleBRAD GILBERT
Brad Gilbert over the weekend confirmed on Twitter that he is "absolutely committed to running" for the Americas representative position on the ATP's BOD. Gilbert tweeted that he has been involved with the ATP since '81, and it is "time to step up for better prize money, jobs, schedules and leadership." Gilbert, who currently serves as a coach and an analyst on ESPN, added that he is "looking forward to speaking with all the player representatives" (TWITTER.com, 4/28). TENNIS.LIFE's Stephanie Myles reported Gilbert is the "highest-profile figure" so far in the list of candidates to potentially replace Justin Gimelstob on the ATP's BOD. Gilbert joins "several other candidates who are believed to, or have definitely expressed interest in, the post," including former tennis player Tim Mayotte, who "confirmed his interest" Saturday. The ATP's 10-person Player Council is set to vote on Gimelstob's potential replacement on May 14. The replacement's "three-year term would begin" Jan. 1, 2020. Gimelstob, who had been in the position for "more than a decade," was an "impressive" advocate on the players' behalf. However, his plea of no contest in the case of a Halloween night assault "leaves the members of the Player Council in an awkward position, optics-wise." Gimelstob has "forged many strong, loyal friendships in the game," but many now would "prefer he step away from the tennis spotlight voluntarily for a period -- for his own good" (TENNIS.LIFE, 4/27).
TIME TO MOVE ON? In London, Stuart Fraser wrote Gimelstob is a "disgraced individual who should not hold any position of power in tennis" after his plea. Gimelstob staying on the BOD is due to his "apparent reluctance to accept full responsibility for his actions and the complex governance structure of the ATP." The upcoming election for his role as the Americas region's player rep offers the Player Council the "chance to be responsible for ousting such a polarising and controversial figure" (LONDON TIMES, 4/27).
