Krejcikova Calls for Respect in Sports Media After Commentator's Gaffe

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Barbora Krejcikova, the Czech tennis star and recent Wimbledon champion, has voiced her frustration with unprofessional remarks made about her appearance during a Tennis Channel broadcast. The incident occurred while Krejcikova was competing at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, where she was defeated in the semi-finals by Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen with a score of 6-3, 7-5.

During Friday's coverage, journalist Jon Wertheim, apparently unaware that his microphone was live, made an inappropriate comment about Krejcikova’s forehead. The remark quickly drew criticism on social media, prompting Krejcikova to address the issue publicly.

In a post on X, Krejcikova, currently ranked world number 13, expressed her disappointment, stating, "As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary." She highlighted the recurring issue in sports media, saying, "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."

Krejcikova emphasized the importance of focusing on the sport itself rather than personal attributes, noting, "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."

In response to the backlash, Wertheim issued an apology via X, admitting his mistake: "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."

Reuters has reached out to the Tennis Channel for further comments on the matter. This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the conduct of sports media and the respect due to athletes for their professional achievements rather than their physical appearance.