Stan's searing attack on president Novak

Tennease

Legend
Triple Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka has put the blowtorch on 15-time major champion Novak Djokovic, in a stunning letter following the ATP's Justin Gimelstob fiasco.

Gimelstob finally stood down from his role as a player representative on the ATP board this week, after pleading no-contest to a horrific assault. Yet he had already lead the ousting of the ATP's president and executive chairman, Chris Kermode, in March, having refused to stand down from the board.

Djokovic was a known supporter of Gimelstob, who helped vote out Kermode; players such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were Kermode supporters and openly upset at not being consulted. It has been widely reported that Gimelstob wanted Kermode's job, despite boasting a chequered past.

In an letter to London's The Times newspaper, Wawrinka blasted Gimelstob while making it clear that others should also be held accountable. He did not name Djokovic personally - but the world No.1 is the current president of the player council and worked closely with Gimelstob.

“I feel compelled to express my views on this regrettable period in our sport,” Wawrinka wrote.

“This episode has left many players, myself included, concerned about the direction tennis is heading in.

“There is no place in our sport for those who behave like Justin. The lack of responses from people involved in the game, particularly at the beginning of this saga, when he was charged last December, was alarming.

“This is a situation where silence amounts to complicity.”

Wawrinka effectively called for an end to Djokovic's reign as president.

“Many players feel that they were not represented properly throughout the last few months, during which so much has happened politically. I agree with them,” Wawrinka wrote.

“I do not want to be associated with anyone who played a part in this, let alone be represented by them. I want to be represented by people with clear, strong ethical values.

"I am concerned that many within tennis think this episode is now over, and are simply relieved at having avoided any negative press themselves. This is not good enough. We are ALL accountable and we must ALL learn from this."

Djokovic was re-elected as player council president in October last year. Kermode is meant to remain in his role until the end of the year.

Wawrinka has been a vocal supporter of Kermode throughout and at the Australian Open during January, fingered Djokovic as the man leading dissent against the ATP boss.

“He [Djokovic] is the president, he's the No.1 player ... he’s the head of the spot there [player council],” Wawrinka said.

https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/ten...on-president-novak/ar-AAASJDk?ocid=spartandhp
 

MichaelNadal

Bionic Poster
I didn't even know The Mummy was leading the council :eek:

tumblr_nzit2hcd7h1rwl7dco2_540.gif
 

beard

Legend
Well, if majority of players think same they will easily dismiss Novak, simple as that;) Will see.

PS is Wawa player who was ashamed of his born name so he changed it? Or the guy who left his wife and child to date girl half his age?
 

Tennease

Legend

Wawrinka's letter in full:



Sir,

The past six months have been eventful for the ATP and men’s professional tennis. Sadly, politics have overshadowed the action on the courts, and I feel compelled to express my views on this regrettable period in our sport. This episode has left many players, myself included, concerned about the direction tennis is heading in.

I started playing at the age of eight, the son of a farmer. My parents and this sport have taught me about real values, fighting hard with passion, commitment and determination, but most importantly with integrity and honesty. I have always been taught to stand up for what I believe in, and I believe that anyone associated with tennis should espouse these values.

What I have witnessed in the last few months is a worrying decline in moral standards.

I am relieved that Justin Gimelstob has finally had the decency to resign from the ATP board after being sentenced for assault, but I am dismayed by how long this took. I am also concerned that many within the game think this episode is now over, and are simply relieved at having avoided any negative press themselves. This is not good enough. We are ALL accountable and we must ALL learn from this.

There is no place in our sport for those who behave like Justin. The lack of responses from people involved in the game, particularly at the beginning of this saga, when he was charged last December, was alarming. This is a situation where silence amounts to complicity.

My fellow players on the council should never have been put in the position where they had responsibility for deciding whether Justin should have remained in his position. It is the duty of the board representatives to lead by example and protect the players. They should have immediately managed this controversy. Instead they shamefully voted in December for Justin to continue with his duties.

Many players feel that they were not represented properly throughout the last few months, during which so much has happened politically. I agree with them. I do not want to be associated with anyone who played a part in this, let alone be represented by them. I want to be represented by people with clear, strong ethical values.

Some people feel that the governance structure of the ATP does not work, that it’s too cumbersome, impossible to represent both players and tournaments. But I fundamentally believe in this system. The fault lies not in the structure, but in the calibre of people within it. There are numerous conflicts of interest to address throughout the whole sport.

Tennis is a selfish sport. Inherently people are too concerned with their own interests. This inevitably causes difficulties in the management of the tour, which have escalated in recent months.

At the end of last year, we saw record results for the ATP and men’s tennis. Now look at us. This political chaos is caused by a handful of people with personal agendas and, more disturbingly, with no alternative plan to follow up on their concerted plot to remove Chris Kermode, the executive chairman and president, earlier this year.

These moral issues are by no means unique to tennis. Indeed it feels these days as if every time you open a newspaper, another scandal is unfolding, whether it be in politics, Hollywood or the corporate world. It is more important than ever that anyone with a public platform leads by example and demonstrates real values — honesty, kindness, trust, friendship.

I am by no means perfect, as a man or as an athlete. I have been divorced and have made many a mistake during my 17-year career as a professional.

But I am passionate about tennis, proud to be a part of this great sport and determined to speak up where I see us letting ourselves down. This is a sport with global appeal, to men, women and children of all ages and all cultures. We have a responsibility to be the best we can be.

I hope our sport can put this dreadful period behind us, move forward and embrace the future.

Stan Wawrinka
Professional tennis player, Switzerland
 

merwy

G.O.A.T.
Can someone tell me all the things Gimmelstob has done wrong? Is this still about him punching someone? Pretty sure that pro athletes have gotten into fight more often
 

Fabresque

Legend
This is blown way out of proportion. Like I said before, it’s as if Djokovic is the Sith Lord and the Player Council is the Empire. This really isn’t a big deal. Promoting personal interests is what EVERY professional does. You won’t see any teamwork because it’s not a team sport. Do I agree with Novak’s decision making and choosing to back Justin? No. Am I going to complain and whine and claim tennis is going in the wrong direction? Also, no. I do agree tennis is going in the wrong direction but not so much because of the player council but more so because of who our projected top players are going to be.
 

Luka888

Professional
I said this before and I will say it again. What does Stan want? He says 'many players are not happy'. Who are they? Who are 'many players'. It means nothing. I'm trying to be logical here. Djokovic has spent so much time talking to all players. I can say 'many people like me' or 'many people dislike me' ... It means nothing.

What is the problem here? Why is Stan writing a letter? Djokovic is chosen to lead the council by other players. If Wawrinka thinks he can do a better job ... well, join the freaking council. You protest about what? That is how it works.

As if the ATP cares. Stan is just being stupid. Go, play some tennis. Find another 17yo girl (n). Just shut up :X3:. Nobody cares.

Stan, when he was younger has not talked about anything. He was in Roger's shade. Whatever. He is Swiss, right. I'm from Mars. :alien:
 

EasyGoing

Professional
Wawrinka is the POS I always thought he was. This just confirms it.

Indeed. How dare he demand decency, morality and ethics from people? Role models at that. Amazing stuff...

You, personally, have now turned into an unmistakable BS litmus paper. Whatever you endorse, it’s utter garbage and/or absolutely wrong. One could live his life as a saint just by doing the opposite of what you say.
 

Luka888

Professional
Indeed. How dare he demand decency, morality and ethics from people? Role models at that. Amazing stuff...

You, personally, have now turned into an unmistakable BS litmus paper. Whatever you endorse, it’s utter garbage and/or absolutely wrong. One could live his life as a saint just by doing the opposite of what you say.
You mean 'leave' his wife, not live. I guess it's a typo but pay attention. Stan has nothing to sell in the 'moral' department' (n). Sorry. I'm an older guy but do not BS me. Family is important.

Look at Federer or Djokovic. Both married with kids and Fed is still with Mirka, Novak is still with Yelena. Great families. (y)
 

tex123

Hall of Fame
Triple Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka has put the blowtorch on 15-time major champion Novak Djokovic, in a stunning letter following the ATP's Justin Gimelstob fiasco.

Gimelstob finally stood down from his role as a player representative on the ATP board this week, after pleading no-contest to a horrific assault. Yet he had already lead the ousting of the ATP's president and executive chairman, Chris Kermode, in March, having refused to stand down from the board.

Djokovic was a known supporter of Gimelstob, who helped vote out Kermode; players such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were Kermode supporters and openly upset at not being consulted. It has been widely reported that Gimelstob wanted Kermode's job, despite boasting a chequered past.

In an letter to London's The Times newspaper, Wawrinka blasted Gimelstob while making it clear that others should also be held accountable. He did not name Djokovic personally - but the world No.1 is the current president of the player council and worked closely with Gimelstob.

“I feel compelled to express my views on this regrettable period in our sport,” Wawrinka wrote.

“This episode has left many players, myself included, concerned about the direction tennis is heading in.

“There is no place in our sport for those who behave like Justin. The lack of responses from people involved in the game, particularly at the beginning of this saga, when he was charged last December, was alarming.

“This is a situation where silence amounts to complicity.”

Wawrinka effectively called for an end to Djokovic's reign as president.

“Many players feel that they were not represented properly throughout the last few months, during which so much has happened politically. I agree with them,” Wawrinka wrote.

“I do not want to be associated with anyone who played a part in this, let alone be represented by them. I want to be represented by people with clear, strong ethical values.

"I am concerned that many within tennis think this episode is now over, and are simply relieved at having avoided any negative press themselves. This is not good enough. We are ALL accountable and we must ALL learn from this."

Djokovic was re-elected as player council president in October last year. Kermode is meant to remain in his role until the end of the year.

Wawrinka has been a vocal supporter of Kermode throughout and at the Australian Open during January, fingered Djokovic as the man leading dissent against the ATP boss.

“He [Djokovic] is the president, he's the No.1 player ... he’s the head of the spot there [player council],” Wawrinka said.

https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/ten...on-president-novak/ar-AAASJDk?ocid=spartandhp
Didn't we have a thread about this. For some reason that was deleted.
 

tex123

Hall of Fame
Stan is spot on.

Djokovic has always struggled with poor judgment. Look at how he hired and fired coaches including his rock Vajda. He should be grateful he came back or he would've been out of top 100 by now. I would not trust Djokovic one bit here.
 
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D

Deleted member 688153

Guest
Wawrinka is the POS I always thought he was. This just confirms it.
Levels perfectly valid criticisms about a bad incident in the sport, doesn't even name Djokovic, and that's apparently enough to go below the belt and call him a POS

Real Djokerfan insanity hours in here. Would you guys be saying this or criticising Stan at all if he hadn't sent Djokovic home in epic fashion for all three of his slams and also be at cross purposes with him now? No. And why would anyone believe anything different?
 

tex123

Hall of Fame
You mean 'leave' his wife, not live. I guess it's a typo but pay attention. Stan has nothing to sell in the 'moral' department' (n). Sorry. I'm an older guy but do not BS me. Family is important.

Look at Federer or Djokovic. Both married with kids and Fed is still with Mirka, Novak is still with Yelena. Great families. (y)
So if you are divorced, you can't have an opinion. Can we look in your closet for skeletons?
 

Luka888

Professional
So if you are divorced, you can't have an opinion. Can we look in your closet for skeletons?
You can have an opinion. But, be careful what are wishing for. Stan is being silly. I was going to say stupid but. You and I can agree to disagree. Don't talk to me about skeletons in my closet. I just checked out. None :). I was kinda scary :eek:.

Stan should shut up or join the council. Talk is cheap.
 

Phoenix1983

G.O.A.T.
Well done Stan.

It’s about time for Novak Djokovic to accept responsibility for the ousting of Kermode and the support of the criminal Gimelstob.

He should resign as the council president immediately and a more decent, moral man should be appointed in his place.
 

Sysyphus

Talk Tennis Guru
but honestly, I also don't see the reason for non-Djokovic fan to turn this into a for-or-against Djokovic issue.

As people have rightly pointed out, Stan doesn't even name Djokovic specifically. He's (rightly) criticizing the entire system and culture, which includes all those who reportedly schemed along with Gimelstob to replace Kermode, and those who shied away from speaking up about the matter after Gimelstob's was sentenced.

This is not solely a pro or anti Djokovic issue, even though he's indeed one of the central players.
 

beard

Legend
Indeed. How dare he demand decency, morality and ethics from people? Role models at that. Amazing stuff...

You, personally, have now turned into an unmistakable BS litmus paper. Whatever you endorse, it’s utter garbage and/or absolutely wrong. One could live his life as a saint just by doing the opposite of what you say.
Morality and Stanislas in same sentence...
Ask his wife and daughter about it...
Everyone can have opinion, off course but be as you want other to be... or shut up...

Wawa should get those "many" players and candidate for president...
 

EasyGoing

Professional
You mean 'leave' his wife, not live. I guess it's a typo but pay attention. Stan has nothing to sell in the 'moral' department' (n). Sorry. I'm an older guy but do not BS me. Family is important.

Look at Federer or Djokovic. Both married with kids and Fed is still with Mirka, Novak is still with Yelena. Great families. (y)

Lol, you are not “older”, you are ancient. Hate to break it to you, but Tito died 40 years ago. The Communist party is not doing to well. There are even rumors the homosexuals are holding hands in public...
 

Tennease

Legend
‘Political chaos’ envelops tennis as French Open approaches
By HOWARD FENDRICH
today



Tennis is in turmoil as the French Open approaches.

As three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka put it: “Politics have overshadowed the action on the courts.”

In a letter published Friday in The Times of London, Wawrinka decried his sport’s “worrying decline in moral standards” and outlined several aspects of the ongoing drama enveloping the men’s tour — and causing more of a racket than the rackets themselves.

“I feel compelled to express my views on this regrettable period in our sport,” said Wawrinka, who once was ranked as high as No. 3 and is currently 33rd after a series of injuries. “This episode has left many players, myself included, concerned about the direction tennis is heading in.”

There certainly has been a lot going on behind the scenes with regard to who runs the men’s professional tour, and lately it’s been spilling into public view. The conversation is sure to continue until a key vote for the ATP board of directors takes place May 14 in Rome — and through the next Grand Slam tournament, which begins at Roland Garros on May 26.

Wawrinka slammed the representatives on the board and the player council, saying the problem is not with the governing structure but the caliber of the people in positions of importance.

Wawrinka’s letter mentions “political chaos” and the “numerous conflicts of interest” that plague tennis. It also prominently discusses a topic about which he already had been outspoken: Justin Gimelstob, the ex-player, coach and TV commentator who resigned from the tour board this week after pleading no contest to misdemeanor assault for attacking a former friend. While Gimelstob’s case still was pending, he was allowed to remain in his powerful ATP post.

The 42-year-old American was sentenced April 22 to three years of probation, 60 days of community service and a year’s worth of anger management classes for what prosecutors said was Gimelstob’s attack of Randall Kaplan as they trick-or-treated with their kids in Los Angeles on Halloween in 2017.

In a statement to the court, Kaplan said Gimelstob struck him multiple times and threatened to kill him.

“There is no place in our sport for those who behave like Justin. The lack of responses from people involved in the game, particularly at the beginning of this saga, when he was charged last December, was alarming,” Wawrinka wrote. “This is a situation where silence amounts to complicity.”

Wawrinka also referred to what he called a “concerted plot” to oust Chris Kermode as executive chairman and president of the ATP. Kermode’s departure was announced in March after a vote by the board of directors.

Rafael Nadal, who has won 11 of his 17 Grand Slam titles at the French Open, was among those who said they were not consulted before the decision was made to push out Kermode when his current term closes at the end of 2019.

“Many players feel that they were not represented properly throughout the last few months, during which so much has happened politically. I agree with them,” Wawrinka wrote. “I do not want to be associated with anyone who played a part in this, let alone be represented by them. I want to be represented by people with clear, strong ethical values.”

Novak Djokovic, who was involved in the Kermode situation through his position as president of the ATP player council, conceded that the business matters might have taken a toll on his performance.

After earlier-than-expected losses at Indian Wells and Miami, the top-ranked Djokovic said: “Way too many things off the court. I guess that affected me a little bit on the court.”


https://apnews.com/ac7e75be13c84c3888f9f1afe6f9c319
 
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Service Ace

Hall of Fame
This just proves what a manipulative slimeball Djokovic and his partner in crime Gimelslob are and the fact that the major players like Fed and Nadal are siding with Stan reinforces it.
 
O

OhYes

Guest
Triple Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka has put the blowtorch on 15-time major champion Novak Djokovic, in a stunning letter following the ATP's Justin Gimelstob fiasco.

Gimelstob finally stood down from his role as a player representative on the ATP board this week, after pleading no-contest to a horrific assault. Yet he had already lead the ousting of the ATP's president and executive chairman, Chris Kermode, in March, having refused to stand down from the board.

Djokovic was a known supporter of Gimelstob, who helped vote out Kermode; players such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were Kermode supporters and openly upset at not being consulted. It has been widely reported that Gimelstob wanted Kermode's job, despite boasting a chequered past.

In an letter to London's The Times newspaper, Wawrinka blasted Gimelstob while making it clear that others should also be held accountable. He did not name Djokovic personally - but the world No.1 is the current president of the player council and worked closely with Gimelstob.

“I feel compelled to express my views on this regrettable period in our sport,” Wawrinka wrote.

“This episode has left many players, myself included, concerned about the direction tennis is heading in.

“There is no place in our sport for those who behave like Justin. The lack of responses from people involved in the game, particularly at the beginning of this saga, when he was charged last December, was alarming.

“This is a situation where silence amounts to complicity.”

Wawrinka effectively called for an end to Djokovic's reign as president.

“Many players feel that they were not represented properly throughout the last few months, during which so much has happened politically. I agree with them,” Wawrinka wrote.

“I do not want to be associated with anyone who played a part in this, let alone be represented by them. I want to be represented by people with clear, strong ethical values.

"I am concerned that many within tennis think this episode is now over, and are simply relieved at having avoided any negative press themselves. This is not good enough. We are ALL accountable and we must ALL learn from this."

Djokovic was re-elected as player council president in October last year. Kermode is meant to remain in his role until the end of the year.

Wawrinka has been a vocal supporter of Kermode throughout and at the Australian Open during January, fingered Djokovic as the man leading dissent against the ATP boss.

“He [Djokovic] is the president, he's the No.1 player ... he’s the head of the spot there [player council],” Wawrinka said.

https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/ten...on-president-novak/ar-AAASJDk?ocid=spartandhp
Clip.jpg


I see they are in big dispute. :rolleyes:
 
I said this before and I will say it again. What does Stan want? He says 'many players are not happy'. Who are they? Who are 'many players'. It means nothing. I'm trying to be logical here. Djokovic has spent so much time talking to all players. I can say 'many people like me' or 'many people dislike me' ... It means nothing.

What is the problem here? Why is Stan writing a letter? Djokovic is chosen to lead the council by other players. If Wawrinka thinks he can do a better job ... well, join the freaking council. You protest about what? That is how it works.

As if the ATP cares. Stan is just being stupid. Go, play some tennis. Find another 17yo girl (n). Just shut up :X3:. Nobody cares.

Stan, when he was younger has not talked about anything. He was in Roger's shade. Whatever. He is Swiss, right. I'm from Mars. :alien:

I wouldn't be surprised if Federer and Nadal hadn't tacitly supported Stan in writing this letter. They want to maintain some sort of aura of neutrality and keep their heads below the parapet, but they certainly supported Kermode and no doubt don't like Nole . What the real politics of it are I of course don't know, and nor do others who post here, but it looks as if Nole is manoeuvring himself into some sort of powerful position. He's just succeeded in getting WTF moved to Torino (failing Belgrade, which was never going to win) and I don't suppose he's finished with his tennis union idea. It isn't just that Gimelstorb lamped an erstwhile friend, I believe his history with his wife wasn't very pretty either, he was no great tennis player and it's hard to understand why he's had so much clout on the tennis players' council.
 

RaulRamirez

Legend
I admit to never following tennis organizational politics too closely. At all. The Kermode/Gimelstob situation has, obviously, brought a black eye into the open.

Much as I admire Novak (from what I know of him) as a person, it seems that he could have handled things better. Does he have ulterior motives, etc, or did he just place too much trust in Gimelstob? I'm not in position to judge that...are you?
 

ABCD

Hall of Fame
ATP handled this issue as it is routinely handled. With a pending process there is a presumption of innocence and there are no actions until the process is over. If found guilty, such position becomes untenable and resignation is in order and most elegant solution. Djokovic did not do anything wrong in this case. Everything happened as it should.
 
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