Nick Kyrgios offers one-word reply after journalist's unsavoury Barbora Krejcikova remarks as WTA issues statement
11/12/2024 01:59 AM
Nick Kyrgios has chimed in following American tennis journalist Jon Wertheim’s derogatory comments about Wimbledon winner Barbora Krejcikova’s appearance.
Wertheim has been widely criticised after he made the remarks during The Tennis Channel’s preview show for WTA Finals clash between Krejcikova and Zheng Qinwen.
Wertheim – who was unaware that he was live on air during the broadcast, is overheard saying: “Who do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova? Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court. Eighthead.”
Former world No 13 Kyrgios, who himself has come under fire in the past for controversial comments about WTA players, has issued a one-word message to the social media post about Wertheim’s comments.
The Australian simply wrote “Embarrassing”.
Two-time Grand Slam winner Krejcikova took to social media after the post was shared widely as she called for “respect and professionalism in sports media, writing: “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 behaviour.
“This is not the first time something like this has happened in the world of sports. I have often chosen not to speak, but I believe it is time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media.”
Not long after her statement, Wertheim himself issued an apology for “some deeply regrettable comments off-air”, saying “I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out immediately and apologised to the player.”
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His employers, The Tennis Channel, has since suspended him “indefinitely” as they added: “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.”
Wertheim was one of those who criticised Kyrgios when the Australian himself made disrespectful comments about WTA star Anna Kalinskaya as he wrote “Second serve” below a post about Kalinskaya and her boyfriend Jannik Sinner.
The journalist then offered the following response: “Nick Kyrgios once made a misogynistic, wildly inappropriate comment about a WTA player, drew the anger of her ATP player boyfriend, his coach, and much of the locker room… but didn't face real consequence, dismissed, as it was, as youthful indiscretion. That was 2015. He’s 29 now.”
Meanwhile, the WTA has also called for respect following Wertheim’s comments about Krejcikova.
“There is no place in sport for inappropriate comments about female athletes,” the organisation said in a statement.
“The WTA stands in full support of Barbora's powerful call for respect. This should be the norm for all women in all working environments. Respect is due as a right, not a privilege to be earned.”
The post Nick Kyrgios offers one-word reply after journalist’s unsavoury Barbora Krejcikova remarks as WTA issues statement appeared first on Tennis365.
