Andre Agassi caused a stir during the 2025 Wimbledon gentlemen‘s singles final when he was seen in the Royal Box accompanied by former tennis player Justin Gimelstob, who has a controversial and troubled past. This appearance reignited public scrutiny of Agassi’s association with Gimelstob, raising questions about why the tennis legend would bring such a guest to one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
The two have a long-standing relationship, having been seen together at multiple major tournaments, including the French Open and Australian Open earlier this year. Their connection stretches back to their playing careers, with Agassi having competed against Gimelstob four times and coaching his son Brandon in 2024.
Justin Gimelstob’s Troubling Background
Justin Gimelstob, who achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 63, is no stranger to controversy after retirement. He was publicly criticized in 2008 for making offensive comments toward female players and faced accusations of domestic abuse. In 2018, Gimelstob was charged with assault following an incident involving Randall Kaplan and subsequently pleaded no contest, receiving three years’ probation and 60 days of community service.
Despite this history, Agassi has maintained his friendship with Gimelstob, a decision that many fans strongly disapprove of and have expressed vocally online.
“The fact that [Andre] Agassi seems to have brought him to both the French Open and Wimbledon Finals reflects extremely poorly on Andre. Gimelstob is a disgusting criminal,” —Anonymous fan
This association has sparked a debate about accountability and the responsibilities of former champions regarding their public allegiances.
Danielle Collins Shares Harrowing Experience With Cameraman
In contrast to the Wimbledon controversy surrounding Agassi, American tennis player Danielle Collins has brought attention to a personal and troubling event from early in her career, highlighting the issue of harassment faced by women in tennis. Collins, currently ranked World No. 54, recounted an incident involving persistent inappropriate behavior from a cameraman just after a match.
The 2022 Australian Open finalist revealed that the cameraman, after asking for a hug, unexpectedly attempted to kiss her, an act that shocked and unsettled her. This anecdote sheds light on the often unseen challenges female athletes encounter beyond the court.
“I had a situation when I first got on tour, and I was dealing with a cameraman that was very persistent. This guy goes, ‘Oh Danielle, I’m so sorry, can I give you a hug?’ and ‘I’m like sure. He goes in to hug me, and all of a sudden, he goes in to kiss me. And I’m like, oh no. He literally starts making out with the side of my face. So yeah, people don’t see that behind the scenes,” —Danielle Collins, tennis player
Collins recently exited Wimbledon in the third round after being defeated by eventual champion Iga Swiatek.
Doping Cases and Disciplinary Actions Overshadow Championships
The Wimbledon championships faced additional turmoil due to doping controversies involving reigning gentlemen’s and ladies’ singles champions Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. Both players tested positive for banned substances last year but successfully appealed the findings and arranged their suspensions to avoid missing any major tournaments, much to the frustration of tennis enthusiasts concerned about fairness.
In contrast, British player Tara Moore, who previously endured a 19-month provisional suspension, was hit with an additional four-year ban following an appeal by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), upheld by the Court for Arbitration in Sport on July 15, 2025. The disparity in treatment between the favored top players and others like Moore has generated significant fan outrage.
Karolina Pliskova’s Controversial Comments on Wimbledon Finalists
Former Wimbledon finalist Karolina Pliskova added to the week’s tensions by expressing her opinion that Aryna Sabalenka, who was eliminated in the semifinals by Amanda Anisimova, would have had a better chance of winning the final than Iga Swiatek. Sabalenka’s semifinal exit and Anisimova’s heavy loss in the final, marked by a rare 0-6, 0-6 scoreline, prompted Pliskova’s remarks, which many found disrespectful.
“I think Sabalenka would have beaten Iga Swiatek in the final,” —Karolina Pliskova, former Wimbledon finalist
Her comments were met with backlash from fans who viewed them as dismissive of Anisimova’s achievement and marked by unnecessary criticism during a highly competitive tournament.
Implications for Tennis Community and Future Coverage
The recent controversies — from Agassi’s choice of company and Collins’ revelation, to doping disputes and provocative remarks by former players — paint a complex and unsettling picture surrounding the sport. These events have intensified ongoing discussions about player conduct, respect for women athletes, and the integrity of tennis governance.
As the tournament season continues, it remains to be seen whether these issues will prompt broader reforms or changes within professional tennis culture. Meanwhile, Danielle Collins disturbing media encounter calls attention to the need for stricter measures against harassment in sports, while Agassi’s situation urges closer examination of personal associations within the tennis elite.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What condition does Danielle Collins have?
A. Danielle Collins, a 30-year-old tennis player, shares how her struggles with rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis have affected her career. She also discusses her future plans.
Q. What is Danielle Collins’s condition?
A. In 2019, Collins found out they had rheumatoid arthritis. This is an autoimmune disease that makes joints swell painfully and can impact other body parts. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says women have a two to three times higher chance than men of getting this disease.