The WTA absolutely stood behind Barbora Krejcikova after the Czech tennis star known as out a Tennis Channel for making enjoyable of her physique look.
In case you missed it, the world No. 10 took to X on Sunday to name out Jon Wertheim for making insulting feedback about her look. Because the 28-year-old and Zheng Qinwen have been about to hit the court docket for his or her semifinal in Riyadh, Wertheim mentioned this whereas presumably not realizing that he was on air: “Who do you suppose I’m? Barbora Krejcikova? Have a look at the brow when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court docket.”
After it went viral on social media and the analyst began receiving criticism, the reigning Wimbledon champion additionally observed it and did not conceal that she felt extraordinarily disrespected by what was mentioned about her. Tennis Channel responded by apologizing to the previous world No. 2 and likewise indefinitely eradicating Wertheim from the community.
Now, the WTA can also be siding with Krejcikova’s place.
“There isn’t a place in sport for inappropriate feedback about feminine athletes. The WTA stands in full help of Barbora’s highly effective name for respect. This ought to be the norm for all girls in all working environments. Respect is due without any consideration, not a privilege to be earned,” the WTA mentioned in a press release.
Assertion from the WTA:
There isn’t a place in sport for inappropriate feedback about feminine athletes. The WTA stands in full help of Barbora’s highly effective name for respect. This ought to be the norm for all girls in all working environments. Respect is due without any consideration, not a…
— wta (@WTA) November 10, 2024
Krejcikova: It was disappointing and unprofessional commentary
After listening to what was mentioned about her throughout Tennis Channel’s WTA Finals protection, the two-time Grand Slam champion just about steered that it was disappointing and unhappy to see somebody specializing in an athlete’s look reasonably than efficiency. Additionally, the Czech mentioned that one of many causes she was disenchanted was the truth that it wasn’t the primary time seeing one thing like that occur.
“You might need heard in regards to the latest feedback made on Tennis Channel in the course of the WTA Finals protection that targeted on my look reasonably than my efficiency. As an athlete who has devoted herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this sort of unprofessional commentary,” Krejcikova wrote on X.
“This isn’t the primary time one thing like that is taking place in sports activities world. I’ve typically chosen to not converse up, however I imagine it’s time to deal with the necessity for respect and professionalism in sports activities media. These moments distract from the true essence of sport and the dedication all athletes deliver to the sector. I like tennis deeply, and I need to see it represented in a method that honors the dedication we make to compete at this degree.”
Wertheim apologized and defined what occurred
Since Wertheim is a well-recognized face within the tennis broadcasting neighborhood, it was anticipated that he wouldn’t keep silent about what occurred. And after he was known as out and Tennis Channel additionally determined to take motion, he was the primary to acknowledge that his feedback have been “deeply regrettable.”
In his message, the analyst additionally mentioned that the comment was made throughout a rehearsal and confirmed that he wasn’t conscious he was on air. Nevertheless, he nonetheless felt responsible about what occurred – apologized to Krejcikova – and insisted that that specific second wasn’t the picture of who he was as an individual.
“Throughout a Tennis Channel studio present on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable feedback off-air. I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out instantly and apologized to the participant. What occurred? 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,” Wertheim mentioned in a written message posted on X.
“A couple of moments later, I used to be advised to border up my Zoom. I regarded on the low digicam angle and joked that it made my brow resemble the picture of the participant in query. Somebody within the management room chimed in and I bantered again. Although this was a personal rehearsal, this change inadvertently, and with out context, made it to stay air. I understand: I’m not the sufferer right here. It was neither skilled nor charitable nor reflective of the individual I attempt to be. I’m accountable. I personal this. I’m sorry.”
Contemplating that Wertheim personally reached out to Krejcikova and that Tennis Channel reacted, the Wimbledon winner might be happy with the end result of the state of affairs as a result of her voice was heard. Additionally, it’s protected to say that it’s going to most likely result in analysts and commentators being extra conscious of what they are going to be saying even when not on air.
