Tennis Channel Removes Jon Wertheim 'Indefinitely' After 'Inappropriate Comment' About Pro Player Barbora Krejčíková

Mar. 15, 2025

Jon Wertheim; Barbora Krejčíková.Photo:Roy Rochlin/Getty; AELTC/Christopher Raphael via Getty I

Roy Rochlin/Getty; AELTC/Christopher Raphael via Getty I

The Tennis Channel has benched Jon Wertheim after he made an “inappropriate comment” regarding professional player Barbora Krejčíková.

However, the network still deemed his actions a violation of company standards.

Tennis Channel’s Steve Weissman and Jon Wertheim interview Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, July 2024.Fred Mullane/ISI Photos/Getty

Fred Mullane/ISI Photos/Getty

“The network also apologized to the player, Barbora Krejcikova, as did Jon. Jon has dedicated his career to shining a light on and growing this sport and has been a valued member of our family and the tennis community. That said, Tennis Channel holds its employees to a standard of respectfulness for others at all times, a standard that was not met in this moment,” it concluded.

Czech Republic’s Barbora Krejcikova, July 2024.PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty

PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty

According to Wertheim, he was rehearsing for a show via Zoom when he and his co-hosts “were shown a graphic [illustration] of a player who had just competed.”

“It showed her at an angle that exaggerated her forehead. 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,” he tweeted.

“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,” Wertheim’s post concluded.

Barbora Krejcikova of Czechia, July 2024.Francois Nel/Getty

Francois Nel/Getty

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“This isn’t the first time something like this is happening in sports world. l’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,” the athlete added.

source: people.com