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Jon Wertheim is one of the most veteran and well-respected members of the media in the tennis world. Or, at least, he was. But Wertheim was indefinitely suspended by the Tennis Channel on Monday after he was caught on a hot mic mocking a female player’s appearance.
More specifically, Wertheim mocked reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčiková over the size of her forehead.
“What do you think I am, Barbora Krejčiková,” Wertheim was heard saying as studio hosts were seen preparing to go live. “Look at the forehead when Krejčiková and [Qinwen] Zheng take the court. Eight-head.”
This is the full transcript of what Jon Wertheim said;
“What do you think I am…erm Barbora Krejcikova? Look at the forehead when Krejicikova and Zheng take the court….8 head.”
He has since issued a public apology and has been suspended by the Tennis Channel. pic.twitter.com/hkYRub3Slp
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) November 10, 2024
Jon Wertheim Responds To Tennis Channel Suspension For Off-Color Commments
“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,” the network said in a statement. “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,”
Wertheim also issued a public apology to Krejčiková for his comments.
“During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air,” he wrote. “I acknowledge them. I apologize for them. I reached out immediately and apologized to the player.
“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.” – Jon Wertheim in reponse to Barbora Krejčiková comments
Wertheim explained that when he came on air, the camera was zoomed in on him and he claims it resembled a recently aired graphic of Krejčiková that “exaggerated her forehead.”
Krejčiková also posted a series of tweets responding to Wertheim’s initial comments.
“This isn’t the first time something like this is happening in (the) sports world,” she wrote. “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.”
Krejčiková is currently the No. 10 ranked player in the world according to the WTA rankings.