Journalists confront Novak Djokovic over his support for Justin Gimelstob

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has been grilled in a heated media conference at Wimbledon with the world number one under fire for his continued defence of disgraced former ATP board member Justin Gimelstob.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates beating US player Denis Kudla during their men's singles second round match on the third day of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 3, 2019. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Untouchable on-court, Novak Djokovic has endured a torrid media conference over his support of disgraced former ATP board member Justin Gimelstob in an extraordinary sequel to second-round Wimbledon victory.

Djokovic was repeatedly asked to justify his backing of Gimelstob, who pleaded ‘no contest’ to a battery charge in a California court in April after allegedly attacking a man in front of his wife and child.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic is finding life on the court far easier than off it at Wimbledon. Picture: Ben Stansall/AFP

Gimelstob eventually resigned as ATP player representative in May, but Djokovic continues to defend the American.

Quizzed over whether he had read the victim impact statements from Randall Kaplan, and the investor’s partner, Gimelstob admitted he hadn’t.

“I will read it. I haven’t read it,” he said. “I’ve spoken to Justin.

“He has explained to me that he still is going through the process, the legal process. He’s not done yet on the court. Obviously I know only his side of the story.

Justin Gimelstob eventually resigned as ATP player representative in May.

“I’ve had, as I mentioned before, a really good relationship with Justin. I think he needs to take time to deal with this serious matter.

“If he in the end of this whole process is proven guilty, I mean, obviously there is no support from my side for him to be part of the sport.”

The journalist then reminded Djokovic that, under California law, by pleading no contest, Gimelstob was officially considered guilty, which clearly rankled the defending champion.

“Listen, I will go through the documents. I can speak to you next time,” he said.

“There is no reason for you to attack me.

“I just don’t feel it is necessary for you to point a finger at me specifically for something that he has or hasn’t done.

Novak Djokovic continues to speak supportively about Justin Gimelstob, who flew into London shortly before the ATP vote on his interim replacement on the board pic.twitter.com/tSjVXN6Qnm

— Simon Briggs (@simonrbriggs) July 1, 2019

“There is no reason for you to talk to me in that way because I feel like you’re pointing the guilt at me for some reason for what he has done or for supporting him.

“I am telling you I have a very good relationship with him, and I always have. I’m not going to lie about that.

“But if he is guilty about committing a crime, as you said, or whatever has happened that night, that obviously changes things around for his future role in our sport.

“But if that is not the case, then I’m just saying, if that is not the case, then he is a huge asset for our sport and our players.”

Djokovic cruised into the third round with a 6-3 6-2 6-2 win over Denis Kudla.