Tennis Channel analyst Jon Wertheim has been suspended indefinitely for making “unprofessional” comments about female players on air.
It was a hot mic moment for Wertheim, also a 60 Minutes correspondent, who commented on Barbora Krejcikova's appearance at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Wertheim's comments were announced on screen during Krejcikova's loss to this year's Olympic women's singles gold medalist Zheng Qinwen.
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Tennis Channel's Jon Wertheim interviews Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic at the Tennis Channel's Volkswagen desk on day 13 of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. (Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports)
“Who do you think I am, Barbora Krejcikova,'' Wertheim said during the TV show, thinking she was not on the air. “Look at the foreheads of Krejcikova and John when they take the court.”
Coach Krejcikova refuted Wertheim's comments, calling them “unprofessional commentary.”
“As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see such unprofessional comments,” Krejcikova wrote in a social media post. “This is not the first time something like this has happened in Japan.” [the] world of sports. Although I have often chosen not to speak out, I believe it is time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media.
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“Moments like these are a distraction from the essence of the sport and the dedication that all athletes bring to the field. I truly love tennis, and I want to make sure it is played in a way that honors our commitment to compete at this level. I want it to be expressed.”
Wertheim apologized to Krejcikova via social media.
Wertheim said, “I made a very regrettable comment off-air.'' “I acknowledge them. I apologize to them. I reached out immediately and apologized to the players.”
Tennis Channel's Jon Wertheim interviews Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic at the Tennis Channel's Volkswagen desk on day 13 of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. (Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports)
Wertheim's apology post also included a version of events from his perspective.
“At rehearsals, we were shown graphics of players who had just appeared in a game,” Wertheim wrote. “It was showing her at an angle that exaggerated her forehead. After a few minutes, I was asked to zoom in larger. I looked at the low camera angle and realized that my forehead was the player in question. A voice came from the control room and I joked back, but this was a private rehearsal, and this exchange was unintentionally broadcast live without any context. It happened.
“I understand. I am not the victim here. This was not professional, charitable, or reflective of the person I aspire to be. I am accountable. I own this. Sorry.
Finally, Tennis Channel released a statement regarding Wertheim's indefinite suspension.
“John has dedicated his career to highlighting and growing our sport and is a valued member of our family and the tennis community,” the statement said. “That said, Tennis Channel always holds its employees to a standard of respect for others, and that standard was not met at this time.”
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Krejcikova is a two-time Grand Slam champion, having won the French Open in 2021 and Wimbledon earlier this year.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcastplease subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
Scott Thompson is a sports writer for FOX News Digital.
Tennis Channel analyst suspended indefinitely after hot-mic comments made about 2024 Wimbledon champ
Tennis Channel analyst Jon Wertheim has been suspended indefinitely for making “unprofessional” comments about female players on air.
It was a hot mic moment for Wertheim, also a 60 Minutes correspondent, who commented on Barbora Krejcikova's appearance at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Wertheim's comments were announced on screen during Krejcikova's loss to this year's Olympic women's singles gold medalist Zheng Qinwen.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Tennis Channel's Jon Wertheim interviews Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic at the Tennis Channel's Volkswagen desk on day 13 of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. (Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports)
“Who do you think I am, Barbora Krejcikova,'' Wertheim said during the TV show, thinking she was not on the air. “Look at the foreheads of Krejcikova and John when they take the court.”
Coach Krejcikova refuted Wertheim's comments, calling them “unprofessional commentary.”
“As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see such unprofessional comments,” Krejcikova wrote in a social media post. “This is not the first time something like this has happened in Japan.” [the] world of sports. Although I have often chosen not to speak out, I believe it is time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media.
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“Moments like these are a distraction from the essence of the sport and the dedication that all athletes bring to the field. I truly love tennis, and I want to make sure it is played in a way that honors our commitment to compete at this level. I want it to be expressed.”
Wertheim apologized to Krejcikova via social media.
Wertheim said, “I made a very regrettable comment off-air.'' “I acknowledge them. I apologize to them. I reached out immediately and apologized to the players.”
Tennis Channel's Jon Wertheim interviews Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic at the Tennis Channel's Volkswagen desk on day 13 of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. (Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports)
Wertheim's apology post also included a version of events from his perspective.
“At rehearsals, we were shown graphics of players who had just appeared in a game,” Wertheim wrote. “It was showing her at an angle that exaggerated her forehead. After a few minutes, I was asked to zoom in larger. I looked at the low camera angle and realized that my forehead was the player in question. A voice came from the control room and I joked back, but this was a private rehearsal, and this exchange was unintentionally broadcast live without any context. It happened.
“I understand. I am not the victim here. This was not professional, charitable, or reflective of the person I aspire to be. I am accountable. I own this. Sorry.
Finally, Tennis Channel released a statement regarding Wertheim's indefinite suspension.
“John has dedicated his career to highlighting and growing our sport and is a valued member of our family and the tennis community,” the statement said. “That said, Tennis Channel always holds its employees to a standard of respect for others, and that standard was not met at this time.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Krejcikova is a two-time Grand Slam champion, having won the French Open in 2021 and Wimbledon earlier this year.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcastplease subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
Scott Thompson is a sports writer for FOX News Digital.
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