Who is Jon Wertheim? Everything to know about tennis journalist who was fired for controversial remarks over Barbora Krejcikova's appearance at WTA Finals
Tennis journalist Jon Wertheim's unsavory remarks about reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova's appearance during the WTA Finals 2024 have earned him universal criticism. He passed a comment believing that he was off-air but the mic was on. In light of his unprofessional conduct, he was immediately taken off air indefinitely from the Tennis Channel.
Wertheim has been a known entity in the world of sports for decades and has been a well-known journalist and author. He completed his undergraduate degree from Yale University and also has a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Wertheim got his start in the media as a staff member at Sports Illustrated in 1996 and is currently the executive editor there as well. He has been involved in covering tennis, basketball, and mixed martial arts, along with the business side of sports.
The journalist has authored 10 books thus far, the most famous of them all being, 'Strokes of Genius: Federer, Nadal, and the Greatest Match Ever Played, which deals with the prolific Wimbledon 2008 final between the two players. The book gives a detailed shot-by-shot analysis of the match, which is often considered the pinnacle of men's tennis.
One of his other books, 'Scorecasting: The Hidden Influences Behind How Sports Are Played and Games Are Won', which talks about misconceptions in American sports, is a bestseller as well. On the heels of his success in print media, Jon Wertheim found his footing in the world of broadcast media.
Jon Wertheim rose to further prominence during his tenure as a broadcaster
Jon Wertheim gained considerable exposure once his broadcasting career took off. He started working with CBS as a correspondent on their "60 Minutes" show in 2017 and became an analyst with the Tennis Channel as well that year. He usually covered all four Majors, along with other prestigious tournaments.
Wertheim has since apologized for his remark in a post on X and took full accountability for his actions.
"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," excerpt of Jon Wertheim's apology to Barbora Krejcikova.
The WTA also issued a statement regarding the matter, and Krejcikova herself had something to say about the whole ordeal. After a tough few months following her Wimbledon triumph, she returned to form with a semifinal showing at the WTA Finals. However, this incident has certainly overshadowed her resurgence.