Tennis analyst and commentator Jon Wertheim has issued a grovelling apology after being taken off the air following comments he made about Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova’s appearance.
Wertheim, a prominent American tennis journalist, made his ‘deeply regrettable comments’ on the Tennis Channel’s coverage of the WTA finals, unaware he was on the air.
During coverage of the season-ending championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wertheim commented: ‘What do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova? Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court.’
The Tennis Channel have confirmed Wertheim has now been taken off the air ‘indefinitely’ with the journalist apologising for his comments which infuriated the 2024 Wimbledon champion.
‘During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air,’ he posted to X. ‘I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out immediately and apologised to the player.
‘I joined the show by Zoom. In rehearsal we were shown a graphic of a player who had just competed. It showed her at an angle that exaggerated her forehead. A few minutes later, I was told to frame up my Zoom.
‘I looked at the low camera angle and joked that it made my forehead resemble the player in question.
‘Someone in the control room chimed in and I bantered back. Though this was a private rehearsal, this exchange inadvertently, and without context, made it to live air.
‘I realise: I am not the victim here. It was neither professional nor charitable nor reflective of the person I strive to be. I am accountable. I own this. I am sorry.’
In response to those comments, Krejcikova wrote on X: ‘You might have heard about the recent comments made on Tennis Channel during the WTA Finals coverage that focused on my appearance rather than my performance.
‘As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary. This isn’t the first time something like this is happening in sports world.
‘I’ve often chosen not to speak up, but I believe it’s time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media.
‘These moments distract from the true essence of sport and the dedication all athletes bring to the field. I love tennis deeply, and I want to see it represented in a way that honours the commitment we make to compete at this level.’
The WTA also expressed support for Krejcikova, saying there is ‘no place in sport for inappropriate comments about female athletes’.
‘The WTA stands in full support of Barbora’s powerful call for respect. This should be the norm for all women in all working environments. Respect is due as a right, not a privilege to be earned.’
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