Complete timeline of controversy involving Barbora Krejcikova: From tennis journalist getting sacked for disparaging remarks to WTA and Andy Roddick's response
Tennis journalist Jon Wertheim has got himself into deep trouble after his recent comments about Barbora Krejcikova. The American pundit was featured on Tennis Channel during the WTA Finals when he made a comment on Krejcikova's forehead that left fans stunned.
While giving his thoughts on the Barbora Krejcikova vs Qinwen Zheng match during the WTA Finals, he made a controversial statement regarding Krejcikova's looks. The unseen footage was mistakenly released, where Wertheim commented on Krejcikova's forehead calling it 'eighthead'.
"What do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova. Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court. Eighthead," Wertheim said.
After the end of the tournament, Barbora Krejcikova posted a message on her social media as a strong response to Wertheim. The former World No. 2 claimed that she had remained silent on these issues in the past but could no longer do the same again.
The Czech star urged the journalists to be more professional and claimed that she was 'disappointed' to hear such comments during a women's match.
"As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary. This isn’t the first time something like this is happening in sports world. 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," Barbora Krejcikova wrote.
With the pressure mounting on Wertheim, he issued an apology on his social media. The veteran tennis journalist stated that he regretted his comments and apologized for them. He even added that he had already apologized to Krejcikova in private and stated his regret about the whole issue.
"During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air. 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," he added." Wertheim wrote.
In the aftermath of the controversy, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) took a stand with their star player against the journalist. The WTA posted a statement offering support to Krejcikova and demanded more respect for women in all working fields.
"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 privilege to be earned."
Andy Roddick speaks about the Jon Wertheim-Barbora Krejcikova controversy as the American journalist gets fired
Andy Roddick recently spoke about the Wertheim-Krejcikova controversy during his podcast, Serving with Andy Roddick. Roddick is close friends with Wertheim and invited him on the show to clear his side of things.
Wertheim, who has worked with Roddick before as the co-host of the podcast, accepted the invitation to give his version of the controversy.
"I'm not sure how much you all have been following, but our good friend, my co-host, my partner in crime Jon Wertheim said something on a hot mic. I know Jon well. Obviously, I know the benefit of the doubt, I know how he is as a person. I also know that he stepped in sh*t. I said I'd come on, and we have to acknowledge it even when it's not comfortable," Roddick said.
Speaking about his comments, Wertheim accepted that he was in the wrong and should have never commented about Krejcikova's appearance. The American journalist again apologized for his comments but claimed that his comments were taken too far because of the lack of context for the listeners.
"I'm full of regret and remorse and apology. It's not been a great weekend. At some level, you'd like to hop that context mattered a little. And at some level, you'd like to hope body of work matters. You don't get defined by your worst act but like you say, I stepped in it," Wertheim said.
Jon Wertheim was soon suspended indefinitely by the Tennis Channel after he 'failed to maintain the standard' at the channel. Tennis Channel further offered an apology to Barbora Krejcikova and vowed to hold a standard of respect for every player in the future.