Tennis Channel removes analyst indefinitely after comment about Barbora Krejčíková’s forehead

The Tennis Channel has indefinitely suspended analyst Jon Wertheim after he made a controversial comment about the appearance of Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková. The remark, which was made off-air during a broadcast rehearsal ahead of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, sparked a public backlash from Krejčíková and others, leading to an apology from Wertheim and his removal from on-air duties.

The incident occurred on Friday when Wertheim, while preparing for the broadcast, made a comment about Krejčíková’s forehead. Although the remark was not intended for the public, it was inadvertently aired, catching the attention of viewers. Wertheim later acknowledged the comment as “deeply regrettable” and issued an apology both publicly and to Krejčíková directly.

“I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air. I acknowledge them. I apologize for them,” Wertheim wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He went on to say that he had reached out to Krejčíková to express his regret for his insensitive remark.

Krejčíková responded to the comment, expressing disappointment over the unprofessional nature of the exchange. “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,” she posted on X. “As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary.”

Krejčíková also took the opportunity to highlight the broader issue of respect and professionalism in sports media. “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,” she continued. “These moments distract from the true essence of sport and the dedication all athletes bring to the field.”

The Czech tennis star, who is currently ranked No. 10 in the world and has won two Grand Slam singles titles, emphasized her passion for the sport and her desire for the tennis community to be represented in a way that respects athletes’ commitment and hard work. “I love tennis deeply, and I want to see it represented in a way that honors the commitment we make to compete at this level,” Krejčíková added.

In a follow-up statement, Wertheim explained that his comment was made during a “private rehearsal” when he and other members of the broadcast team were discussing a graphic of a player shown at an awkward camera angle, which exaggerated her forehead. Wertheim, noticing the similarity to his own appearance at the time, made a joke about it. The exchange was meant to be private but was accidentally transmitted to the live broadcast.

Wertheim wrote, “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.”

He went on to express regret for the comment, taking full responsibility for his actions. “I realize: 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,” he said.

On Sunday, the Tennis Channel released a statement confirming Wertheim’s suspension and reiterating its commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism. “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 said. “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.”

Despite the incident, Krejčíková continued her strong showing at the WTA Finals. She reached the semifinals before losing to Zheng Qinwen, the eventual runner-up. The controversy surrounding the comment has sparked a broader conversation about respect in sports media, with many calling for more mindful commentary that focuses on athletes’ achievements rather than their appearances.