The Tennis Channel on Sunday took analyst Jon Wertheim off the air “indefinitely” after Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova called him out on social media for what she called “unprofessional” remarks about her appearance.
The network said in a statement posted online that Wertheim made “an inappropriate comment” and it “holds its employees to a standard of respectfulness for others at all times, a standard that was not met in this moment.”
Krejcikova of the Czech Republic was competing in the WTA Finals in Riyadh last week, where she was beaten 6-3 7-5 by Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen in the semi-finals.
Photo: Reuters
During the Tennis Channel’s coverage of the event on Friday, Wertheim, seemingly unaware that he was on air, made a comment about Krejcikova’s forehead which was met with criticism on social media.
“As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary,” world No. 13 Krejcikova wrote on X.
“This isn’t the first time something like this is happening in [the] 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 honors the commitment we make to compete at this level,” she wrote.
Wertheim posted an apology online, acknowledging his “deeply regrettable comments off-air” that “inadvertently made it to live air.”
“I acknowledge them [the comments]. I apologize for them. I reached out immediately and apologized to the player ... I realize: I am not the victim here. It was neither professional nor charitable nor reflective of the person I strive to be,” he wrote. “I am accountable. I own this. I am sorry.”
Krejcikova, 28, also won a Grand Slam singles title at the 2020 French Open and owns seven major doubles trophies.
Wertheim also works for Sports Illustrated and is a 60 Minutes correspondent.
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