Current Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcíková has slammed comments made by a popular tennis media outlet about her appearance, calling it "unprofessional."
After her win against eventual champion Coco Gauff at the WTA Finals, renowned tennis commentator Jon Wertheim made a remark about Krejcíková’s forehead that was not intended to go to air.
The 28-year-old Czech responded by posting a message on X 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," Krejcíková 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 took to the same platform to express his regret and apologised for any potential harm.
"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."
It is unclear whether the Tennis Channel will take any course of action.
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