Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova criticized a journalist’s “unprofessional commentary” after he made a comment about her on-air performance.
During a Tennis Channel broadcast on Friday, Jon Wertheim commented on the forehead of the Czech world number 13.
Krejcikova competed at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she was eliminated in the semifinals by eventual runner-up Zheng Qinwen.
Wertheim said his comments were “very regrettable” and that he apologized to Krejcikova.
“You may have heard of the recent comments on Tennis Channel during WTA Finals coverage, which focused on my appearance rather than my performance,” Krejcikova, 28, posted on X.
“As an athlete who has dedicated himself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this kind of unprofessional commentary.
‘This is not the first time something like this has happened in the Netherlands [the] sports world. 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 very much and I want it to be represented in a way that honors the commitment we make to compete at this level.”
In a statement on Sunday, Wertheim said he made the comments during a rehearsal that was “accidentally” broadcast.
“During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some very regrettable comments off-air. I acknowledge them. I apologize. I immediately reached out and apologized to the player,” he said on X.
“What happened? I joined the show via Zoom. During rehearsal we were shown an image of a player who had just participated. It showed her at an angle that made her forehead look exaggerated.
“A few moments later I was told to frame my Zoom. I looked at the low camera angle and joked that it made my forehead look like the photo of the player in question. Someone in the control room chimed in and I joked back. Although Although this was a private rehearsal, this exchange was broadcast live unintentionally and without context.
“I realize: I am not the victim here. It was neither professional, nor charitable, nor reflective of the person I try to be. I am responsible. I own this. I am sorry.”
BBC Sport has contacted Tennis Channel for comment.
