Barbora Krejcikova has criticised “unprofessional commentary” following remarks about her look which have been made on the US TV community Tennis Channel.
The Wimbledon champion was collaborating within the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia this week, the end result to the common girls’s season, the place she misplaced to Zheng Qinwen within the semi-finals on Friday.
Apparently not conscious he was on air, Jon Wertheim, a distinguished American tennis journalist, mentioned of Krejcikova: “Who do you suppose I’m, Barbora Krejcikova? Take a look at the brow when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court docket.”
The clip was circulated on social media, and in response the Czech wrote on X: “You may need heard in regards to the latest feedback made on Tennis Channel through the WTA Finals protection that centered on my look quite than my efficiency.
“As an athlete who has devoted herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this sort of unprofessional commentary. This is not the primary time one thing like that is taking place in sports activities world.
“I’ve usually chosen to not communicate up, however I consider it is time to tackle the necessity for respect and professionalism in sports activities media. These moments distract from the true essence of sport and the dedication all athletes carry to the sector.
“I like tennis deeply, and I need to see it represented in a method that honours the dedication we make to compete at this degree.”
Following Krejcikova’s feedback, Wertheim additionally took to X to apologise.
“Throughout a Tennis Channel studio present on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable feedback off-air,” he wrote. “I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out instantly and apologised to the participant.
“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 minutes later, I used to be advised to border up my Zoom. I seemed on the low digital camera angle and joked that it made my brow resemble the participant in query.
“Somebody within the management room chimed in and I bantered again. Although this was a non-public rehearsal, this trade inadvertently, and with out context, made it to stay air.
“I realise: I’m not the sufferer right here. It was neither skilled nor charitable nor reflective of the particular person I attempt to be. I’m accountable. I personal this. I’m sorry.”
What’s arising on Sky Sports activities Tennis?
Nitto ATP Finals, Turin – (November 10-17)
