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Jon Wertheim removed from air after controversial remarks about Barbora Krejcikova’s forehead


A tennis analyst has been removed from the airwaves following “deeply regrettable comments” about Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova’s appearance.

The Czech player, aged 28, criticized Jon Wertheim for focusing on her looks rather than her performance.

The analyst made a comment on the US TV network Tennis Channel regarding the world number 10’s forehead.

Krejcikova won both the women’s singles final at Wimbledon in July this year and the French Open final in 2021.

Barbora Krejcikova won the Wimbledon women's singles final against Jasmine Paolini in July. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Krejcikova won the Wimbledon women’s singles final against Jasmine Paolini in July. Pic: Reuters

This week, she participated in the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she was defeated by China’s Zheng Qinwen in the semi-finals on Friday.

Unaware he was on air, Wertheim, a prominent American tennis journalist, commented on Krejcikova saying: “Who do you think I am, Barbora Krejcikova? Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng step onto the court.”

The video of this remark circulated on social media, prompting Krejcikova to address the incident on X: “You may have heard about the recent comments made on Tennis Channel during the WTA Finals coverage that emphasized my appearance over my performance.

“As an athlete devoted to this sport, it was disheartening to experience this type of unprofessional commentary. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first instance of such behavior in the sports world.

“I have often chosen to stay silent, but I believe it’s time to highlight the importance of respect and professionalism in sports media.”

She further stated: “These incidents take away from the true spirit of sports and the dedication all athletes bring to the field. I have a deep love for tennis and wish to see it portrayed in a manner that respects the commitment we make to compete at this level.”

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Wertheim has been suspended “indefinitely” from Tennis Channel.

He issued an apology on X acknowledging his “deeply regrettable comments off-air” that were “inadvertently… made it to live air”.



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