Jon Wertheim removed off Tennis Channel 'indefinitely' after mocking Barbora Krejcikova

Jon Wertheim who is a prominent tennis journalist, commentator and broadcaster both on Tennis Channel and also Andy Roddick's podcast Served won't be seen on the former at least for a while after the storm that has surrounded him on Sunday.

Wertheim made controversial comments about Barbora Krejcikova on air without realising he was live and it was called out by the Wimbledon champion leading to heavy backlash in his direction and this decision getting taken.

Wertheim had said: "Who do you think I am, Barbora Krejcikova? Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court."

But whilst he thought no-one heard, they did including Krejcikova. "You might have heard about the recent comments made on Tennis Channel during the WTA Finals coverage that focused on my appearance rather than my performance," she wrote.

"As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary. 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 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 honours the commitment we make to compete at this level."

Wertheim himself offered an apology on social media.

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

"What happened? I joined the show by Zoom. In rehearsal we were shown a graphic 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.

"I realise: 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."

But Tennis Channel decided likely due to backlash to remove him off the air indefinitely. They said in a statement: “When Tennis Channel became aware of an inappropriate comment about a professional tennis player made by our analyst Jon Wertheim on Friday, we immediately removed him from our air indefinitely.

“The network also apologised 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.”