Barbora Krejcikova (10. WTA) performed very well in the tournament WTA Finals in Riyadh. The Czech tennis player in the group stage after a defeat against Iga Świątek (2nd place). WTA) 6:4, 5:7, 2:6, defeated two Americans: Jessica Pegula (7th WTA) 6:3, 6:3 and Coco Gauff (3rd WTA) 7:5, 6:4. Krejcikova was eliminated only in the semi-finals, losing to China's Qinwen Zheng (5th WTA) 3:6, 5:7.
The journalist insulted the tennis player. He was punished
Barbora Krejcikova had a bad experience before her match with Zheng. Jon Wertheim, a Tennis Channel journalist, did not know that she was already on the air and insulted the Czech woman with words about her appearance: – Who do you think I am? Barbara Krejcikova? Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng enter the court, Wertheim said. These words quickly spread on social media for everyone to hear.
The journalist apologized to the player in person and on social media and emphasized that his behavior was very inappropriate.
– During Friday's show, I made some deeply regrettable off-air remarks. I offer my sincerest apologies for this. I contacted the athlete directly to express my regret. My comments were unprofessional, rude and do not reflect the person I strive to be. How did this happen? I joined the studio via zoom. During the rehearsal, we were shown a graphic from a certain angle that exaggerated Barbora's forehead. Moments later I was told to adjust the camera accordingly. I looked at how I looked and joked that my forehead resembled the forehead of the tennis player in question. Although it was a private rehearsal, this exchange inadvertently and without context ended up on the air. I am responsible for what happened and I am very sorry. I'm sorry – the journalist wrote on social media.
He still received severe punishment. Jon Wertheim has been taken off the air “for an indefinite period” by the Tennis Channel.
“The station also apologized to the player, Barbora Krejcikova, as did Jon. Jon has dedicated his career to commenting on tennis and developing it sports and was a valued member of our family and tennis community. “Tennis Channel requires its employees to respect others at all times and to standards that have not been met at this time,” the statement said.
Krejcikova reacted to the journalist's behavior.
“You may have heard about the recent comments on the Tennis Channel during our coverage of finals WTAs that focused on my appearance rather than my performance. As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, I was disappointed by these types of unprofessional comments. This isn't the first time something like this has happened in the sports world. I have often chosen not to speak out, but I believe it is time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media,” said this year's Wimbledon winner.
Krejcikova, apart from the event held in London, did not win any tournament this year. Last season, she won tournaments in Dubai, Birmingham, San Diego and Zhengzhou.