Nick Kyrgios didn’t say much about an analyst making fun of Barbora Krejcikova’s appearance but his message was perfectly clear as the Australian definitely didn’t appreciate the action.
After joining Tennis Channel via a Zoom call, Jon Wertheim didn’t know he was on air when he told other guests in the studio: “Who do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova? Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court.”
The moment happened just before the Czech and Zheng Qinwen were about to enter the court for their semifinal match at the WTA Finals.
While the reigning Wimbledon champion went on to lose in two sets and finish her campaign in Riyadh, the controversial comment didn’t unnoticed as it was posted on X and started gaining attention. After it eventually got to Krejcikova, the two-time Grand Slam champion noted that she felt disrespected and ripped Wertheim over “disappointing” and “unprofessional commentary.”
Since then, many have come to the Czech’s defense and sent out messages of support.
“Embarrassing,” Kyrgios wrote on X when reacting to the Krejcikova news.
Embarrassing.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) November 11, 2024
Krejcikova’s statement
In her message that was shared on X, the two-time Grand Slam finalist noted that she was a professional athlete and that people should only be concerned about her performance and not about her looks. What was really sad to hear was the 28-year-old claiming that it wasn’t the first time that something like that happened – but in the past – she let it slide.
“You might have heard about the recent comments made on Tennis Channel during the WTA Finals coverage that focused on my appearance rather than my performance. As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary,” Krejcikova wrote on X.
“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. 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.”
After fans and the tennis community stood behind Krejcikova, the WTA did the same. In their statement, the WTA fully supported the Czech’s comments and also urged anyone following tennis to keep it respectful toward athletes.
“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,” the WTA said in a statement.
Barbora Krejcikova© Barbora Krejcikova/Instagram – Fair Use
Tennis Channel, Wertheim also reacted
The same day that Krejcikova called out what she thought was extremely disrespectful toward her, Tennis Channel sent out their own statement, saying that they apologized to the world No. 10 and that they took action by indefinitely removing the analyst in question from his work.
After receiving some strong criticism and backlash from the tennis world, Wertheim decided to tell his side of the story. And he didn’t deny that he was at fault.
“During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air. I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out immediately and apologized to the player. What happened? I joined the show by Zoom. In rehearsal we were shown a graphic of a player who had just competed. It showed her at an angle that exaggerated her forehead,” Wertheim said in a written message posted on X.
“A few moments later, I was told to frame up my Zoom. I looked at the low camera angle and joked that it made my forehead resemble the photo of the player in question. Someone in the control room chimed in and I bantered back. Though this was a private rehearsal, this exchange inadvertently, and without context, made it to live air. 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.”
Meanwhile, Krejcikova impressively managed to turn around her season.
In early 2024, the Czech battled an injury and some illnesses which kept her out of action for two months. But when she came back, she won her first Wimbledon title and later also booked her second appearance at the WTA Finals.
Also, Krejcikova has returned to the top-10 and it is safe to say that her season went from tough to great.