Barbora Krejcikova has criticized “unprofessional commentary” on her appearance on US TV network Tennis Channel.
The Wimbledon champion took part in the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia this week, the highlight of the women’s regular season, where she lost to Zheng Qinwen in the semi-finals on Friday.
Apparently unaware that he was on air, Jon Wertheim, a prominent American tennis journalist, said of Krejcikova: “Who do you think I am? Barbara Krejcikova? Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng enter the court.’
The clip was circulated on social media and in response the Czech wrote on X: “You may have heard of the recent comments on Tennis Channel during the WTA Finals coverage that focused on my appearance rather than my performance. As an athlete who has dedicated himself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this kind of unprofessional commentary. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened in the sports world.
You may have heard of the recent comments on Tennis Channel during WTA Finals coverage that focused on my appearance rather than my performance. As an athlete who has dedicated himself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this kind of unprofessional (continued).
— Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 10, 2024
“I have often chosen not to say anything, 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 sport and the dedication that all athletes bring to the field. “I love tennis so much and I want it to be represented in a way that honors the commitment we make to compete at this level.”
Wertheim apologized for the comments in a message on Xsaying: “During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some very regrettable comments off-air. I acknowledge them. My apologies to them. I immediately reached out and apologized to the player… I realize: I am not the victim here. It was neither professional, nor charitable, nor reflective of the person I aspire to be. I am responsible. I own this. I’m sorry.”
It is not the first time that a broadcaster has been criticized for comments about the appearance of a female tennis player. In 2013, the BBC apologized after presenter John Inverdale said of French player Marion Bartoli after she won Wimbledon: ‘Do you think Bartoli’s father said to her when she was little: ‘You’ll never be a hottie, you’ll never be a head turner are.’ never be one [Maria] Sharapova, so you have to be sloppy and fight’?”