Prominent journalist and presenter Jon Wertheim has been pulled off air by Tennis Channel over an “inappropriate” remark about two-time grand slam champion Barbora Krejcikova.
Footage emerged of an off-air exchange in which Wertheim, pictured on a big screen, asked his studio colleagues: “Who do you think I am, Barbora Krejcikova? Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Jon take the court.”
The clip caught Krejcikova’s attention, with the 28-year-old addressing the comment after she was knocked out in the semi-finals at the WTA Finals over the weekend.
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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,” she wrote on social media.
“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.”
Several hours later Tennis Channel announced it had taken action.
“When Tennis Channel became aware of an inappropriate comment about a professional tennis player made by our analyst Jon Wertheim on Friday, we immediately removed him from our air indefinitely,” a statement read.
“The network also apologised to the player, Barbora Krejcikova, as did Jon.
“Jon has dedicated his career to shining a light on and growing this sport and has been a valued member of our family and the tennis community.
“That said, Tennis Channel holds its employees to a standard of respectfulness for others at all times, a standard that was not met in this moment.”
Wertheim himself issued an apology for the “deeply regrettable comments” — and an explanation from his perspective.
“I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out immediately and apologised to the player,” he wrote.
“What happened? 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 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.”
The WTA and ATP tours are in the very last weeks of their 2024 seasons, with Wertheim in line to be absent from coverage of the Billie Jean King Cup finals and ATP Finals this week and the Davis Cup finals next week.