By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, November 11, 2024

Picture credit score: David Buchan/Getty

Tennis Channel has sidelined Jon Wertheim indefinitely citing “unprofessional” conduct.

The Santa Monica-based TC introduced it has suspended clong-time commentator Jon Wertheim after his essential remark about Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova’s bodily look.

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The community says Wertheim, who issued an apology on social media, has apologized to two-time Grand Slam singles champion Krejcikova, extensively thought to be some of the humble main champions.

“Jon has devoted his profession to shining a lightweight on and rising this sport and has been a valued member of our household and the tennis neighborhood,” TC mentioned in a press release. “That mentioned, Tennis Channel holds its workers to a regular of respectfulness for others always, a regular that was not met on this second.”

Wertheim mocked Krejickova’s brow throughout what he mentioned he thought was a rehearsal for the community’s TC Reside present. 

Jon Wertheim insults Barbora Krejcikova by making enjoyable of her look on dwell TV@Olly_Tennis_ @josemorgado @Welovetennis @BenoitMaylin

Are you going to speak about it?

As journalists, do you assume it is applicable?pic.twitter.com/uBoxMGld9k

— Dan Gernez (@GernezDan) November 9, 2024

“Who do you assume I’m? Barbora Krejcikova?” Wertheim mentioned. “Take a look at the brow when Krejcikova and Zheng take the courtroom.”

The mockery prompted outrage and pushback from followers and Krejcikova herself.

“As an athlete who has devoted herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see one of these unprofessional commentary,” Krejcikova mentioned. “This isn’t the primary time one thing like that is taking place in sports activities world. I’ve usually chosen to not communicate up, however I imagine it’s time to handle the necessity for respect and professionalism in sports activities media.”

You might need heard concerning the current feedback made on Tennis Channel in the course of the WTA Finals protection that centered on my look fairly than my efficiency. As an athlete who has devoted herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see one of these unprofessional (cont.)

— Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 10, 2024

3/3

sport and the dedication all athletes carry to the sphere. I really like tennis deeply, and I need to see it represented in a means that honors the dedication we make to compete at this degree.

— Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 10, 2024

The WTA issued a press release supporting Krejcikova’s name for respect.

“There isn’t any place in sport for inappropriate feedback about feminine athletes. The WTA stands in full assist of Barbora’s highly effective name for respect,” the WTA mentioned in a press release. “This needs to be the norm for all girls in all working environments. Respect is due for granted, not a privilege to be earned.”

Wertheim apologized over social media and mentioned his brow criticism got here throughout what he believed was a non-televised rehearsal.

“Throughout a Tennis Channel studio present on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable feedback off-air,” Wertheim mentioned. “I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out instantly and apologized to the participant. “What occurred? I joined the present by Zoom. In rehearsal, we had been proven a graphic of a participant who had simply competed. It confirmed her at an angle that exaggerated her brow.

“Just a few moments later, I used to be informed to border up my Zoom. I seemed on the low digicam angle and joked that it made my brow resemble the picture of the participant in query. Somebody within the management room chimed in and I bantered again. Although this was a personal rehearsal, this alternate inadvertently, and with out context, made it to dwell air.

“I understand: I’m not the sufferer right here. It was neither skilled nor charitable nor reflective of the individual I attempt to be. I’m accountable. I personal this. I’m sorry.”