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
