Czech tennis star hits back at US sportscaster after disparaging remarks

American sports journalist Jon Wertheim has come under fire for mocking Czech tennis player and 2024 Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková on the Tennis Channel. His comments, which targeted Krejčíková’s physical appearance, have drawn strong criticism on social media.

"Who do you think I am? Barbora Krejčíková? Look at her forehead," Wertheim remarked before a live broadcast, presuming he was off-air. His colleagues did not intervene at the time, allowing the inappropriate comment to pass unchallenged.

Video of the incident quickly circulated online, and Wertheim faced immediate backlash from tennis fans.

"Unbelievable footage of Jon Wertheim mocking the appearance of Barbora Krejčíková whilst off camera for the Tennis Channel. Jon needs to apologize here," wrote one commenter on X (formerly Twitter).

"I'm so sorry Barbora that you've had to endure this when all you are doing is working so hard and trying your best in being a professional, which can't be said for Jon Wertheim," added another.

The disparaging Tennis Channel video eventually reached Krejčíková herself, who was defeated by China's Qinwen Zheng in the semi-finals at the Riyadh Open on Saturday. The 13th-ranked tennis player responded on social media to express her disappointment.

“You may have heard about the recent comments on the Tennis Channel where one of the journalists focused on my appearance rather than my performance. For me, as an athlete who gives everything to tennis, it was a big disappointment to see such unprofessionalism,” Krejčíková wrote.

"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 nature of the 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."

Krejčíková is currently the highest-ranked Czech in WTA standings following her surprise victory earlier this year at Wimbledon, where she entered as the 31st seed but topped multiple higher-ranked opponents to win the tournament.

The Czech star previously won the French Open in 2021, and has won all four majors in doubles competition with longtime partner Kateřina Siniaková. The duo also won gold at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Sports journalist Jon Wertheim has been a full-time employee at Sports Illustrated since 1996, and a contributor to the Tennis Channel and 60 Minutes since 2017. He took to X on Sunday morning to issue a public apology for his remarks.

"During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air," Wertheim writes. "I acknowledge them. I apologize for them. I reached out immediately and apologized to the player."

"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."