American journalist Jon Wertheim has been removed as an on-air analyst for the Tennis Channel for a derogatory comment he made about Barbora Krejcikova’s forehead.
Covering the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wertheim said in a statement on Sunday that his comment “inadvertently” made it on air after he joined the Tennis Channel broadcast via 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,” Wertheim wrote on X on Sunday. “A few moments 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 photo of 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 a statement on Sunday regarding Wertheim’s removal from on-air broadcasts, the Tennis Channel said it had apologised to Krejcikova, who lost in the semi-finals of the WTA Finals to Zheng Qinwen.
Wertheim said he has reached out to the 2024 Wimbledon champion to apologise.
“I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air. I acknowledge them. I apologise for them,” he wrote on X.
A two-time grand slam champion and the world No 10, Krejcikova called for “respect and professionalism” from the media covering the sports world.
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“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,” Krejcikova wrote on X. “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.”
