Tennis Channel has suspended analyst Jon Wertheim “indefinitely” after Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova criticized his comments about her. Krejcikova, who is also a two-time Grand Slam singles champion and seven-time major doubles titleholder, called out Wertheim on social media for making a remark that, in her view, focused on her appearance rather than her athletic performance.
In a statement released Sunday, the network condemned Wertheim’s remarks as “inappropriate,” affirming that they hold their employees to a high standard of respect and professionalism. “This standard was not met in this moment,” the network said, without specifying the exact comment in question.
Wertheim later issued a public apology, expressing regret for his “deeply regrettable comments off-air” that “inadvertently made it to live air.” His comment occurred during coverage of the WTA Finals, where Krejcikova played last week.
Krejcikova, 28, who hails from the Czech Republic, took to social media to express her disappointment, highlighting the importance of professional commentary that respects athletes for their skill and dedication. “As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary,” she wrote. “These moments distract from the true essence of sport and the dedication all athletes bring to the field.”
This is not the first time such comments have sparked backlash in the world of sports media, Krejcikova noted, and she emphasized the importance of portraying athletes with greater respect and professionalism. “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.”
Wertheim, who also works for Sports Illustrated and as a correspondent for 60 Minutes, has faced significant backlash over the incident, with many praising Krejcikova for speaking out on the issue.
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