Tennis Prose




Jan/23

3

Gimelstob Returns To TV Tennis Analysis Work

By Scoop Malinowski

Former two-time mixed doubles Grand Slam champion and Tennis Channel analyst Justin Gimelstob returned to TV tennis analysis work yesterday as a commentator for the Jim Courier Champions Tour event in Orlando.

Actually the exhibition was pre-recorded in early Decemeber by Bally Sports Florida and was broadcast last night. The three matches of the event consisted of singles matches of one set with still active legend and former world no. 1 Kim Clijsters vs. Leylah Fernandez, Jack Sock vs the recently retired Sam Querrey, capped off by a mixed doubles set of the four competitors.

Gimelstob had not worked as a tennis analyst for television since an assault no contest plea deal acceptance in 2019 resulted in costing him his Tennis Channel job and ATP Board of Directors role.

Gimelstob, winner of the 1998 Australian Open and French Open mixed doubles titles with partner Venus Williams, was in fine form last night in his return to the TV analyst booth. Working with former Tennis Channel partner Leif Shiras, Gimelstob exhibited that his unique broadcast style and talents for analyzing player’s techniques, mechanics, tactics hasn’t lost anything in his four years absence from pro tennis.

He has an almost professorial manner of explaining player’s technical aspects, with a distinctive and simple, natural way of explaining a match and how a player plays. It’s evident Gimelstob has an extraordinary understanding and also love for the sport. He also blends well with Shiras, also an excellent broadcaster and former ATP player from the Borg, McEnroe, Gerulaitis and Connors era.

Reached for comment last night about working again as a tennis analyst, Gimelstob said, “First time on air in a long time was fun. Hopefully won’t be another four years.”

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6 comments

  • SHLOMO · January 3, 2023 at 5:36 pm

    Good article, very informative ( something we’re lacking lately).

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 3, 2023 at 9:06 pm

    Thanks Shlomo, it’s a pretty big story that Justin Gimelstob has returned to doing what he does best. It’s a nice second chance redemption story. Surprised no other tennis media mentioned it. Guess the nickname fits after all ) enjoy the big trip to Indian Wells and see you at the club in spring time.

  • Nancy Retzer · January 4, 2023 at 9:03 am

    Thank goodness! I am a huge tennis fan watching and recording all the Grand Slam matches. Have greatly missed Justin’s incredible analysis of the players and action. He is so intelligent and quick witted, not to mention, attractive! Over the past few years, no one has adequately replaced him. All the sports channels need him and so do tennnis fans.

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 4, 2023 at 10:28 am

    Nancy, thanks for your comments. Agree Justin Gimelstob has evolved into an excellent tennis analyst, he’s among the very best. He has the most important qualities – knowledge of the sport, knowledge of the players and different styles, tactics and tendencies, love for the sport. He makes matches better. He’s an important voice in tennis. I don’t care about the past, we all make mistakes and misbehave, other players have done far worse. Tennis has a way of helping everyone to improve as players and as people.

  • Ryan B · January 4, 2023 at 5:59 pm

    Justin G – former finalist at the Tennis Hall of Fame

    Always enjoyed his singles game especially on grass at the Hall – but his self commentary on court while playing was priceless.

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 4, 2023 at 6:27 pm

    Ryan B, was that Philippoussis in the Newport final vs Gimelstob?

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