Barbora Krejcikova criticises Jon Wertheim after forehead remark
Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova has criticized “unprofessional comments” from a journalist after he made comments about her performance during a live broadcast.
During a live broadcast on Tennis Channel on Friday, Jon Wertheim commented on the forehead of the Czech world number 13.
Krejcikova was competing in the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she was eliminated in the semifinals Finally won the runner-up Zheng Qinwen.
Wertheim said his comments were “deeply regrettable” and apologized to Krejcikova.
The Tennis Channel has removed him from television “indefinitely.”
“You may have heard of recent comments made by Tennis Channel during their coverage of the WTA Finals that focused on my appearance rather than my performance,” the 28-year-old Posted by Krejcikova on X., external
“As an athlete who is committed to this sport, it is disappointing to see such unprofessional comments.
“This is not the first time something like this has happened in sports. I have often chosen not to speak out, but I believe it is time to address the need for respect and professionalism in the sports media.
“These moments distract from the true essence of sport and the dedication of all athletes on the field.
“I have a deep love for tennis and I want to see it represented in a way that delivers on our promise to compete at this level.”
Wertheim said in a statement on Sunday that he made the comments during a rehearsal that was “accidentally” broadcast.
“During Friday’s Tennis Channel studio show, I made some deeply regrettable comments off the court. I acknowledge those comments. I apologize for them. I immediately contacted the player and apologized to the player,” he said on x, external.
“What happened? I joined the show via Zoom. During rehearsals, we were shown a picture of a contestant who had just competed. The picture showed her forehead at an exaggerated angle.
“After a while, I was told to do a zoom shot. I looked at the low camera angle and joked that it made my forehead look like that player’s photo. Someone in the control room chimed in and I jokingly responded. Although this It was a private rehearsal, but the exchange was inadvertently broadcast live without context.
“I realized: I’m not the victim here. This isn’t professional, it’s not charitable, and it doesn’t reflect the person I strive to be. I have responsibility. I own this. I’m sorry.”
In a statement to BBC Sport, Tennis Channel said: “When Tennis Channel became aware that our analyst Jon Wertheim made inappropriate comments about a professional tennis player on Friday, we immediately suspended the broadcast indefinitely. He was removed from the show.
“The network also apologizes to players Barbora Krejcikova and Jon. Jon has dedicated his career to illuminating and growing the sport and has been a A valued member of our family and tennis community.
“That said, Tennis Channel requires its employees to adhere to a standard of respect for others at all times, but this standard is not being met at this time.”
