By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, November 11, 2024
Photo credit: David Buchan/Getty
Tennis Channel has sidelined Jon Wertheim indefinitely citing “unprofessional” conduct.
The Santa Monica-based TC announced it has suspended clong-time commentator Jon Wertheim after his critical comment about Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova’s physical appearance.
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The network says Wertheim, who issued an apology on social media, has apologized to two-time Grand Slam singles champion Krejcikova, widely regarded as one of the most humble major champions.
“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,” TC said in a statement. “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 mocked Krejickova’s forehead during what he said he thought was a rehearsal for the network’s TC Live show.
Jon Wertheim insults Barbora Krejcikova by making fun of her appearance on live TV@Olly_Tennis_ @josemorgado @Welovetennis @BenoitMaylinAre you going to talk about it?
As journalists, do you think it’s appropriate?pic.twitter.com/uBoxMGld9k
— Dan Gernez (@GernezDan) November 9, 2024
“Who do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova?” Wertheim said. “Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court.”
The mockery prompted outrage and pushback from fans and Krejcikova herself.
“As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary,” Krejcikova said. “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.”
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. As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional (cont.)
— Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 10, 2024
3/3
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.
— Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 10, 2024
Wertheim apologized over social media and said his forehead criticism came during what he believed was a non-televised rehearsal.
“During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air,” Wertheim said. “I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out immediately and apologized 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 realize: 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.”