Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova criticised a journalist’s “unprofessional commentary” after he made a comment about her look on air.
Throughout a Tennis Channel broadcast on Friday, Jon Wertheim commented on the Czech world quantity 13’s brow.
Krejcikova was competing on the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the place she was knocked out within the semi-finals by eventual runner-up Zheng Qinwen.
Wertheim mentioned his feedback have been “deeply regrettable” and that he apologised to Krejcikova.
“You might need heard in regards to the current feedback made on Tennis Channel throughout the WTA Finals protection that targeted on my look somewhat than my efficiency,” 28-year-old Krejcikova posted on X., external
“As an athlete who has devoted herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this kind of unprofessional commentary.
“This is not the primary time one thing like that is occurring in [the] sports activities world. I’ve typically chosen to not communicate up, however I consider it is time to deal with the necessity for respect and professionalism in sports activities media.
“These moments distract from the true essence of sport and the dedication all athletes deliver to the sector.
“I like tennis deeply, and I need to see it represented in a means that honors the dedication we make to compete at this degree.”
In an announcement on Sunday, Wertheim mentioned he made the feedback in a rehearsal that was “inadvertently” broadcast.
“Throughout a Tennis Channel studio present on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable feedback off-air. I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out instantly and apologised to the participant,” he said on X, external.
“What occurred? I joined the present by Zoom. In rehearsal we have been proven a graphic of a participant who had simply competed. It confirmed her at an angle that exaggerated her brow.
“A couple of moments later, I used to be informed to border up my Zoom. I seemed on the low digicam angle and joked that it made my brow resemble the picture of the participant in query. Somebody within the management room chimed in and I bantered again. Although this was a personal rehearsal, this trade inadvertently, and with out context, made it to dwell air.
“I realise: I’m not the sufferer right here. It was neither skilled nor charitable nor reflective of the individual I attempt to be. I’m accountable. I personal this. I’m sorry.”
BBC Sport has contacted the Tennis Channel for remark.
