Tennis Channel journalist Jon Wertheim stood down for comments about Barbora Krejčíková
Barbora Krejčíková called out journalism standards after being criticised for her appearance.
In short:
Tennis Channel journalist Jon Wertheim made "hot mic" comments about the appearance of Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková.
Krejčíková called out the comments on social media, asking for more respect from journalists.
What's next?
Wertheim, who apologised in his own social media post, has been taken off the air "indefinitely".
Czech tennis player Barbora Krejčíková has called for more respect and professionalism in sports media, hitting out at "unprofessional" remarks made about her appearance during a broadcast on the Tennis Channel.
Wimbledon champion Krejčíková was competing at the WTA Finals in Riyadh this week, where she was beaten 6-3, 7-5 by Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen in the semifinals.
During the Tennis Channel's coverage of the event on Friday, journalist Jon Wertheim, seemingly unaware that he was on air, made a comment about Krejčíková's forehead.
After being met with criticism on social media, Wertheim was taken off the air indefinitely, the Tennis Channel told Reuters.
"As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary," world number 13 Krejčíková wrote in a post on X.
"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.
Barbora Krejčíková lost to Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng at the WTA Finals.
"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 apologised for the comments in a post on X, saying: "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."
The Tennis Channel told Reuters that Wertheim had been taken off the air indefinitely because of the inappropriate comment.
"Tennis Channel holds its employees to a standard of respectfulness for others at all times, a standard that was not met in this moment," the network said in a statement adding they have also apologised to Krejčíková.
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