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Tennis Channel has announced it has taken analyst Jon Wertheim off the air “indefinitely” after Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova called him out on social media. Wertheim made a comment about Krejcikova’s appearance when he didn’t realize the public was able to see and hear him.
“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,” Krejcikova wrote on X. “As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary.
“This isn’t the first time something like this is happening in 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. 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 honors the commitment we make to compete at this level.”
The network said in a statement posted online what it “holds its employees to a standard of respectfulness for others at all times, a standard that was not met in this moment.”
Wertheim, who also works for Sports Illustrated and is a correspondent on 60 Minutes, posted an apology which said in part, “I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air. I acknowledge them. I apologize for them…I am accountable. I own this. I am sorry.”
