News | Tennis
24 Nov 2024 15:21
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Sports > Tennis

    Tennis Channel journalist Jon Wertheim stood down for comments about Barbora Krejcíková

    Tennis player Barbora Krejcíková calls for more professionalism in sports media after her appearance was criticised by Tennis Channel journalist Jon Wertheim.


    Czech tennis player Barbora Krejcíková has called for more respect and professionalism in sports media, hitting out at "unprofessional" remarks made about her appearance during a broadcast on the Tennis Channel.

    Wimbledon champion Krejcíková was competing at the WTA Finals in Riyadh this week, where she was beaten 6-3, 7-5 by Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen in the semifinals.

    During the Tennis Channel's coverage of the event on Friday, journalist Jon Wertheim, seemingly unaware that he was on air, made a comment about Krejcíková's forehead.

    After being met with criticism on social media, Wertheim was taken off the air indefinitely, the Tennis Channel told Reuters.

    "Tennis Channel holds its employees to a standard of respectfulness for others at all times, a standard that was not met in this moment," the network said in a statement, adding they have also apologised to Krejcíková.

    "As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary," world number 13 Krejcíková wrote in a post on X.

    "This isn't the first time something like this is happening in [the] 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 apologised for the comments in a post on X, saying: "During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air.

    "I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out immediately and apologised to the player.

    "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."

    Wertheim said on his regular spot on the Served podcast with former world number one Andy Roddick that he behaved like a "jackass".

    "I'm full of regret and remorse and apology, it's not been a great weekend," he said.

    "On some level you'd like to hope that context matters a little and on some level you'd like to think a body of work matters and you don't get defined by your worst act."

    Wertheim said the comments were meant to be self-deprecating, but in doing so he disrespected Krejcíková.

    He went on to say he hoped to sit down and apologise to the Czech star in person once she returns from the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, where she reached the semis.

    "She doesn't need this shit, honestly," he said.

    "She won Wimbledon, she had a great season … she doesn't need to pick up her phone and hear about some jackass broadcaster on a hot mic."

    Reuters/ABC


    ABC




    © 2024 ABC Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved

     Other Tennis News
     24 Nov: Andy Murray to coach former rival Novak Djokovic for 2025 Australian Open
     24 Nov: Australia's hopes of returning to the Davis Cup tennis final are over after a 2-nil semifinal loss to Italy in Malaga
     23 Nov: Dutch tennis professional Wesley Koolhof is on the cusp of the farewell of his dreams
     23 Nov: The Netherlands have reached the Davis Cup tennis final for the first time in their 104 years of history
     20 Nov: Carlos Alcaraz admits it may be impossible to live up to the legacy of fellow Spaniard and tennis great Rafael Nadal
     19 Nov: Jannik Sinner claims ATP Finals crown, with doping case still pending
     15 Nov: Doubles tennis specialist Erin Routliffe's confirmed she'll remain with Canadian partner Gaby Dabrowski ... at least for now
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    An underwhelming All Blacks outfit have produced a 29-11 victory over Italy in Turin to finish their season with ten wins and four losses More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Warnings of missed opportunities ahead of next year's Companies Act reforms More...



     Today's News

    Wellington:
    A person has been seriously injured after a jetski and boat, crashed into each other in Porirua this morning 15:07

    Rugby:
    An underwhelming All Blacks outfit have produced a 29-11 victory over Italy in Turin to finish their season with ten wins and four losses 14:37

    Tennis:
    Andy Murray to coach former rival Novak Djokovic for 2025 Australian Open 14:17

    Politics:
    A tenant's been forced to pay thousands, after moving out of a rental property, taking a carport, gate and garden shed with her.l 14:07

    Soccer:
    Phoenix midfielder Paulo Retre will employ his insights of Melbourne Victory into their A-League fixture in Sydney this afternoon 13:27

    Rugby:
    The All Blacks have overcome a mix of errors and wet conditions to beat Italy 29-11 in their final rugby test of the year in Turin 13:07

    Soccer:
    Premier League joy for Postecoglou as Spurs beat Manchester City 4-0 away from home to go sixth on the table 13:07

    Politics:
    New Zealand may not be on track to hit it's 2025 Smokefree goal of under five percent, with the national smoking rate not budging this year 12:37

    Law and Order:
    The first arrest in the capital under the new gang patch ban 11:57

    Law and Order:
    An Auckland chief executive, accused of bashing a pensioner during an alleged road rage attack, involving a luxury sports car, has been granted interim name suppression 11:57


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2024 New Zealand City Ltd