Derailment on live TV
He mocks the Wimbledon winner’s appearance – and is fired
US tennis expert Jon Wertheim makes fun of Barbora Krejcikova‘s forehead. She denounces what his release from the Tennis Channel is doing.
Everything was fine in the summer: Jon Wertheim and Barbora Krejcikova in a humorous interview after the Czech woman’s Wimbledon victory.
Photo: Image
- Jon Wertheim made a tasteless joke about Barbora Krejcikova.
- The comment was accidentally broadcast live and sparked outrage.
- Krejcikova called for respect and professionalism in the sports media.
- Wertheim has been suspended by the Tennis Channel until further notice.
Sometimes you say things you wish you hadn’t said. And if a microphone is switched on, this can have fatal consequences. As with the respected US journalist Jon Wertheim, who worked for the Tennis Channel at the expense of the Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova allowed a tasteless joke when he thought he wasn’t on the air.
The 54-year-old was getting ready to join in on Zoom for the Czech’s match against China’s Zheng Qinwen at the WTA finals in Saudi Arabia when he joked: “Who do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova? Look at their foreheads when Krejcikova and Zheng run onto the court.” What he meant by that: His forehead looked as big as Krejcikova’s on Zoom.
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Stupid for Wertheim: He could already be seen and heard live when he mocked the Wimbledon winner’s forehead. The 28-year-old didn’t find that funny at all and reacted sharply on social media: “You may have heard about the recent coverage on the Tennis Channel during the WTA finals, which focused more on my appearance than my performance. As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, this disappointed me.”
And further: “It is not the first time that something like this has happened in the world of sports. I have often not spoken up, but I believe it is time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media. Such moments distract from the true essence of the sport and the dedication that all athletes show on the field.” She would like to be recognized for her daily commitment to tennis and not for her looks.
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Wertheim then published an apology in which he tried to put his statements into perspective. They were dropped during a casual exchange and were not intended for the public. But he also stated: “It is clear to me: I am not the victim here. It wasn’t professional, compassionate, or reflective of the person I try to be. I am responsible and stand by it. I’m sorry.” He also personally apologized to Krejcikova and her agent.
Tennis Channel and the WTA react
But said is said. No sooner had Wertheim mounted his defense than the Tennis Channel reported that he was suspended until further notice. “Jon has dedicated his career to the promotion and growth of the sport and is a valued member of our family and the tennis community,” the TV station said. “However, the Tennis Channel requires its employees to behave respectfully towards others at all times. A standard that was not met at this moment.”
Wertheim is considered one of the stars of the Tennis Journalists’ Guild. He wrote that Book “Strokes of Genius” about the 2008 Wimbledon final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadalfor which there was also a documentary, and also works for “Sports Illustrated” and is a correspondent for the CBS news magazine “60 Minutes”.
Despite his otherwise good reputation, there may be no way for him to return to the station. The WTA women’s tour also condemned his verbal misfire in the strongest possible terms: “There is no place in sport for inappropriate comments about female athletes,” they said. “The WTA fully supports Barbora’s urgent call for respect. This should be the norm for all women in all work environments. Respect is a right, not a privilege that has to be earned.”
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