Jon Wertheim issues grovelling apology after being kicked off air for mocking Wimbledon champion's looks
Watch now: GB News' sports round-up
Jon Wertheim has issued an apology online for his 'deeply regrettable comments' about Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova's appearance while live on air.
The American tennis journalist was appearing on US TV network Tennis Channel via zoom to talk about the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia.
The broadcast was showing Krejcikova's match against Qinwen Zheng when the coverage cut back to the studio with nobody seemingly aware.
The hosts were seen scribbling down notes on their desk while Wertheim fiddled with his camera before saying: “Who do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova?
“Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court.”
Jon Wertheim has been taken off air indefinitely
TENNISCHANNEL
The clip soon went viral on social media with Wertheim later issuing an apology for his offensive comments.
He wrote 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.
"What happened? I joined the show by 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, this exchange inadvertently and without context, made it to live 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."
Tennis Channel responded by taking Wertheim off air 'indefinitely' and its unclear whether he will return.
Their statement read: "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."
Krejcikova also addressed the derogatory comments about her looks, branding them 'unprofessional'.
Barbora Krejcikova called Jon Wertheim out online
PA
The 28-year-old, who won the Wimbledon singles title this year, said: “You might have heard about the recent comments made on Tennis Channel during the WTA Finals coverage that focused on my appearance rather than my performance.
“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.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Barbora Krejcikova called Jon Wertheim out online
PA
“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.”
You may like
