Wimbledon champion calls out commentator's "disappointing" remarks
Wimbledon tennis champion Barbora Krejcikova has called out a commentator for making "unprofessional" remarks about her live on-air.
The Czech player was taking part in the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, which was broadcast on the Tennis Channel, when the comments were made by commentator Jon Wertheim.
The 28-year-old player took to X to express her disappointment over the comments, writing, “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.”
Wertheim responded to Krejcikova's posts, apologising for his comments and also explaining what happened.
"During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air," he said.
"I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out immediately and apologised to the player.
"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."
Image credits: Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Editorial