Czech Tennis player Barbora Krejcikova denounced the lack of respect of a journalist from the Tennis Channel television channel, who denigrated the physique of the Wimbledon winner.
“I have often chosen not to speak out, but I think it is time to address the issue of respect and professionalism in sports media.” On the social network X, Barbora Krejcikova decided to speak out. Winner of Wimbledon this year, the Czech tennis player took offense to the comments of Tennis Channel journalist Jon Wertheim, who made fun of her physique off-air. The latter mentioned “a camera angle which distorted the forehead” of Krejcikova.
Krejcikova’s classy response
After her elimination in the semi-final of the WTA Masters in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), the Czech responded on social networks. “You may have heard of the recent comments made on Tennis Channel during coverage of the WTA Finals, which focused on my appearance rather than my performance. As an athlete who has dedicated herself to the sport, I I was disappointed to see this type of unprofessional comment. This is not the first time that such a thing has happened in the world of sport. I have often chosen not to speak out, but I think that. ‘it’s time to address the issue of respect and professionalism in sports media These moments distract attention from the true essence of my sport,” she first wrote on X, before concluding her speech a bit philosophical.
“I am passionate about the sport and the dedication shown by all athletes on the court. I deeply love tennis and want to see it represented in a way that honors the commitment we make to compete at this level .”
Seeing the controversy swell, Jon Wertheim apologized, while recognizing his fault. The Tennis Channel journalist made “deeply regrettable comments”, pronounced as “a joke”. “I was told to frame my zoom. I looked at the low angle of the camera and joked that my forehead looked like the photo of the player in question (Krejcikova). Someone in the control room intervened and I responded,” he wrote on X.
A half-apology since the journalist also pleaded a technical error. “Although this was a private rehearsal, this exchange was broadcast live inadvertently and without context. I am not the victim here. It was neither professional, nor charitable, nor representative of the person that I strive to be. I am responsible.
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