Apparently without knowing it was on air, journalist Jon Wertheim commented on the tennis player’s forehead; episode was leaked on social media, and Wertheim apologized for
Current champion of , the Czech tennis player criticized the “unprofessional comments” about her appearance made on the American TV channel Tennis Channel during the broadcast of , in Riyadh. “As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see these types of unprofessional comments. This is not the first time something like this has happened in the world of sports,” she said this Sunday (10) on X, formerly Twitter.
“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 bring to the field. I deeply love tennis and I want to see it represented in a way that honors the commitment we make to compete at this level”, added the tennis player, who was also Roland Garros champion in 2021.
In doubles, she has already won all the Grand Slams, was Olympic champion at the Tokyo Games in 2021, and occupied the top of the rankings. Her best ranking in singles was second place, in 2022. Currently, the 28-year-old tennis player is ranked 13th. Krejcikova was eliminated in the semifinals of the WTA Finals, which brings together the best tennis players of the season. Apparently unaware it was on air, journalist Jon Wertheim commented on Krejcikova’s forehead. The episode was publicized on social media, and Wertheim apologized for the comments on X.
“During a Tennis Channel program on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air. I apologize for them. I got in touch immediately and apologized to the tennis player. I’m not the victim here. It was not professional, nor did it reflect the person I strive to be. I assume that. I’m sorry,” he said.
It was not the first time that a broadcaster has been criticized after comments made about a tennis player’s appearance. In 2013, the BBC apologized following presenter John Inverdale’s remarks about Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli, who had won the Wimbledon title. “Do you think Bartoli’s father told her when she was little, ‘You’ll never be a babe, you’ll never be a (Maria) Sharapova, so you have to be brave and fight’?”
Published by Luisa Cardoso
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
