Tennis Channel Removes Jon Wertheim Over Inappropriate Comment About Barbora Krejcikova: Full Apology and Reaction

Jon Wertheim Removed from Tennis Channel After Inappropriate Comment

Jon Wertheim, a longtime commentator for Tennis Channel, has been taken off the air indefinitely. This decision was made after Wertheim made an inappropriate comment about tennis player Barbora Krejcikova.

The Incident

The incident occurred on Friday during the WTA Finals coverage. Wertheim was preparing for a remote appearance on Tennis Channel’s "TC Live" studio show. He made unflattering remarks about Krejcikova’s appearance, specifically her forehead, after seeing a graphic with an exaggerated angle of her face. These comments inadvertently went live on air.

Reaction and Apologies

Tennis Channel immediately removed Wertheim from the air after becoming aware of the comments. The network and Wertheim both apologized to Krejcikova. Wertheim posted a public apology on X, acknowledging his mistake and expressing regret for his actions. He explained that the comment was made during a rehearsal and was not intended to go live.

Statements

Tennis Channel stated that Wertheim has been a valued member of their team and the tennis community, but his comment did not meet the network’s standard of respectfulness. Krejcikova expressed her disappointment on X, highlighting that such comments focus on appearance rather than performance and distract from the dedication athletes bring to their sport.

Background

Wertheim is also a senior writer for Sports Illustrated and a correspondent for CBS’ “60 Minutes.” He has written several books on tennis, including “Venus Envy” and “Strokes of Genius: Federer, Nadal, and the Greatest Match Ever Played.”

Impact

Krejcikova emphasized the need for respect and professionalism in sports media, stating that she loves tennis deeply and wants it represented in a way that honors athletes’ commitment. Wertheim acknowledged his accountability and apologized for his actions, recognizing that he was not professional or charitable in his comment.