American journalist Jon Wertheim has been suspended indefinitely as an analyst for the Tennis Channel following "unprofessional" remarks directed at Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková.
The 54-year-old tennis expert made headlines for all the wrong reasons last week when he made a controversial comment about the Czech player, picked up by the Tennis Channel and went live to air.
“What do you think I am? Barbora Krejčíková? Look at the forehead when Krejčíková and Zheng take to the court… eight head,” said Wertheim when asked to adjust his computer screen via Zoom.
Krejčíková, 28, provided a heads up to Wertheim a couple of days before releasing a public statement to condemn the incident.
"You might have heard about the recent comments made on the Tennis Channel during the WTA Finals coverage focused on my appearance rather than my performance," Krejčíková wrote. "As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary.
"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’s employer released an official statement yesterday to announce their appropriate course of action.
"When Tennis Channel became aware of an inappropriate comment about a professional tennis player made by our analyst Jon Wertheim on Friday, we immediately removed him from our air indefinitely. The network also apologised to the player, Barbora Krejcikova, as did Jon. 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. 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."
A regular on former Grand Slam champion Andy Roddick’s podcast, Wertheim took the opportunity to express his regret and apologise, calling himself a “jackass.”
Yesterday, the popular tennis journalist posted an apology on X.
"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," Wertheim posted on X.
"What happened? I joined the show via 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, the exchange inadvertently, and without context, made it live to air.
"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."
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