Jon Wertheim: Tennis Channel removes analyst indefinitely after comments about Barbora Krejčíková’s forehead

CNN
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The Tennis Channel has suspended an analyst indefinitely after he made a derogatory comment about Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková.

While preparing for a broadcast on Friday about the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, American journalist Jon Wertheim commented off-air on Krejčíková’s forehead.

Wertheim called his remark “deeply regrettable” and said he had reached out to Krejčíková to apologize.

“I made some deeply regrettable comments outside of the show. I recognize her. I apologize for them,” he wrote on X.

Krejčíková called the remark unprofessional.

“You may have heard about the recent comments on Tennis Channel during the WTA Finals coverage that focused on my appearance rather than my performance,” Krejčíková wrote on X. “As an athlete dedicated to this sport, that disappointing.” Look at this kind of unprofessional comment.

“This is not the first time something like this has happened in the world of sports. I have often chosen not to speak out, but I believe it is time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media.

“These moments distract from the true essence of the sport and the dedication that all athletes show on the field. I really love tennis and want it to be portrayed in a way that honors our commitment to competing at this level.”

In his statement released Sunday, Wertheim said his comment was made during a “private rehearsal” that was “accidentally” broadcast.

“What happened? I joined the show via Zoom. At rehearsal, we were shown a graphic of a player who had just competed. It showed her at an angle that exaggerated her forehead,” Wertheim wrote on Sunday on X. “A few moments later I was told to frame 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 joked back. Although it was a private rehearsal, this exchange made it into the live broadcast unintentionally and without context.

“It is clear to me: I am not the victim here. It wasn’t professional, charitable, or reflective of the person I want to be. I am responsible. I own this. I’m sorry.”

Later Sunday, the Tennis Channel released a statement saying it had “apologized to player Barbora Krejcikova, as well as to Jon.”

“When Tennis Channel became aware of an inappropriate comment made by our analyst Jon Wertheim about a professional tennis player on Friday, we immediately removed him from our broadcast indefinitely,” the statement said.

“Jon has dedicated his career to the promotion and development of this sport and has been a valued member of our family and the tennis community. However, Tennis Channel always requires its employees to maintain a standard of respect for others, a standard that was not met at this moment.”

Krejčíková, the current world number 10 and two-time Grand Slam champion, lost in the semifinals of the WTA Finals to eventual runner-up Zheng Qinwen.

CNN has reached out to Krejčíková, Wertheim and the Tennis Channel for further comment.