Tennis Channel’s Jon Wertheim is in hot water over his derogatory comments about 2024 Wimbledon Champion Barbora Krejcikova’s appearance on Friday. Wertheim has since been removed from TC indefinitely which is noticeable as the ATP Finals are underway, an event he normally would cover from start to finish.
Where does the situation go from here? Will Wertheim be fired from Tennis Channel? Could his job on Andy Roddick’s Served podcast also be in jeopardy? How about his work with 60 Minutes, SI, or ESPN?
What Did Wertheim Say?
Wertheim was a remote guest joining via Zoom on the Tennis Channel’s broadcast on Friday.
Jon Wertheim is a well paid Tennis commentator and is a regular contributor to @TennisChannel @Served_Podcast @60Minutes @espn @SInow
None of them are yet to issue any statement regarding his derogatory comment aimed at one of the top @WTA players.
Players deserve better. pic.twitter.com/JdPNpkGO7m
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) November 10, 2024
According to Wertheim’s X/Twitter explanation/apology, he commented on the camera angle similarly exaggerating his forehead as Krejcikova’s who he shortly before had seen a photo of taken at an angle to exaggerate her forehead. Wertheim believed he was off-air and setting up the live shot. He did not realize he was on live television. Wertheim called the comment unprofessional and uncharitable.
How Did Barbora Krejcikova React?
Krejcikova wrote a lengthy X/Twitter post about the incident. She called for more professionalism and respect in sports media. Krejcikova said: “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.”
Krejcikova also indicated this is not the first time this happened in the sports world, but this time she felt she needed to speak up.
The Tennis Channel and Jon Wertheim have apologized to Krejcikova.
As expected and as they should, the WTA issued a statement in support of Krejcikova.
Statement from the WTA:
There is no place in sport for inappropriate comments about female athletes. The WTA stands in full support of Barbora’s powerful call for respect. This should be the norm for all women in all working environments. Respect is due as a right, not a…
— wta (@WTA) November 10, 2024
Sports Media Professionals Are Given A Lot Of Latitude
Wertheim’s comment was caught on the air, and he is a seasoned professional who should know better than to speak freely on a potential hot mic on air. However, he is not alone in speaking about an athlete in a way that has nothing to do with her sport.
Turn on ESPN or any other sports station on any given day, and a variety of personalities are on-air giving their analysis which can include opinions on personal or character attributes of players that have nothing to do with the sport.
Too much latitude is given to these people who should keep their comments focused on the sport or game, but in the age of social media, more opinions are heard now than ever before.
Conclusion
Will Wertheim be back on the air with Tennis Channel in 2025? It is hard to say how this turns out. The one benefit is that it is at the end of the season. Rest assured some fans may forget about it, but Krejcikova will not. How will she feel/react when interviewed by Tennis Channel in the future?
