Barbora Krejcikova has expressed her disapproval of 'unprofessional commentary' concerning her appearance during a broadcast on the US TV network Tennis Channel. The Wimbledon champion was participating in the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia this week, marking the end of the regular women's season, where she was defeated by Zheng Qinwen in the semi-finals on Friday.
Jon Wertheim, a well-known American tennis journalist, made the remarks about Krejcikova while apparently unaware that he was on air. He said: 'Who do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova? Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court.' The clip quickly spread on social media, prompting a response from the Czech player on X.
Krejcikova wrote: '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. 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.'
This is not the first instance where a broadcaster has faced criticism for comments about a female tennis player's appearance. In 2013, the BBC issued an apology after presenter John Inverdale made remarks about French player Marion Bartoli following her Wimbledon victory, saying: 'Do you think Bartoli's dad told her when she was little: 'You're never going to be a looker, you'll never be a [Maria] Sharapova, so you have to be scrappy and fight'?'
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