Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova expressed her frustration on social media regarding comments made by Tennis Channel commentator Jon Wertheim, which she felt prioritized her looks over her athletic achievements. This remark sparked a conversation about the focus of sports commentary and the importance of professionalism in the media.

Wertheim responded to the backlash with a public apology, admitting that his off-air comments had unintentionally been aired live and stating that they were “deeply regrettable.” His acknowledgment of the incident aimed to clarify the situation and take responsibility for the comments made during the broadcast.

Krejcikova competed in the WTA Finals last week, events that were aired on the Tennis Channel. The 28-year-old athlete hails from the Czech Republic, previously gaining acclaim for her Grand Slam singles victory at the 2020 French Open and for securing seven major doubles titles throughout her career.

In her statement, Krejcikova emphasized her disappointment, stating, “As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary.” She noted that such instances are not isolated and that they occur frequently in the sports industry. Although she had often opted to remain silent about these issues, she felt compelled to advocate for respect and professionalism within sports media. Krejcikova underscored the notion that distractions like this undermine the dedication athletes exhibit and their commitment to the sport. “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,” she asserted.

Wertheim’s credentials extend beyond Tennis Channel as he is also associated with Sports Illustrated and holds a position as a correspondent for “60 Minutes,” showcasing his prominence in sports journalism.