Jon Wertheim was removed from Tennis Channel broadcasts after an off-air joke about the Wimbledon champion’s appearance inadvertently aired live.

American sports analyst Jon Wertheim found himself at the centre of controversy after a derogatory comment he made about Czech tennis star Barbora Krejcikova was inadvertently broadcast during coverage of the WTA Finals in Riyadh. The incident has resulted in the Tennis Channel removing Wertheim from its line-up, as the channel moves to contain the fallout and apologise to the player.

The controversy erupted when Wertheim, a seasoned tennis journalist and a regular contributor to the Tennis Channel, made an off-hand remark about Krejcikova’s forehead. According to Wertheim, the comment was initially intended as a light-hearted joke during a private rehearsal session. However, due to a technical error, the exchange accidentally made it onto the live broadcast, sparking backlash from fans and the tennis community alike.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Wertheim expressed deep regret for the incident. “During rehearsal, we were reviewing a graphic that showed a player from a low angle, which exaggerated her forehead,” he explained. “When I was asked to frame up my Zoom, I jokingly compared the camera angle to the photo we were shown. Unfortunately, this private exchange unintentionally went live.”

Wertheim continued, acknowledging that his remarks were “neither professional nor charitable.” He accepted full responsibility, adding, “I am accountable. I own this. I am sorry.” He revealed that he had personally reached out to Krejcikova, the current world No. 10 and 2024 Wimbledon champion, to offer his apologies.

The Tennis Channel, quick to respond to the backlash, confirmed that Wertheim would be pulled from its on-air coverage for the remainder of the WTA Finals. In a statement, the network also offered a direct apology to Krejcikova for the incident, emphasising its commitment to maintaining respectful and professional broadcasting standards.

The incident drew a strong reaction from Krejcikova herself. Taking to social media, the two-time Grand Slam champion voiced her disappointment over the focus on her appearance rather than her athletic prowess. “You might have heard about the comments made on Tennis Channel that focused on my appearance rather than my performance,” Krejcikova wrote. “As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disheartening to see this type of unprofessional commentary.”

Krejcikova’s comments struck a chord within the sports community, as she called for greater respect and professionalism from the media. She expressed that, while she often chose to remain silent on such matters, this incident had crossed a line. “This isn’t the first time such commentary has occurred in the world of sports. I’ve often chosen not to speak up, but I believe it’s time to address the need for respect in sports media,” she stated.

The timing of this controversy is particularly unfortunate, as it overshadowed Krejcikova’s impressive run to the semi-finals of the WTA Finals, where she was ultimately defeated by China’s Zheng Qinwen. The Czech player’s journey to the top has been nothing short of inspiring, with her achievements on the court speaking volumes about her dedication and skill. Yet, as Krejcikova pointed out, incidents like this shift the narrative away from athletes’ accomplishments to unwarranted discussions of their appearance.

For Wertheim, the incident is a stark reminder of the challenges of broadcasting in the digital age, where private remarks can quickly become public. The veteran journalist’s apology may have been heartfelt, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to repair the damage to his reputation. As one of the most respected voices in tennis journalism, Wertheim’s lapse in judgment has highlighted the fine line analysts must tread between humour and professionalism.

The Tennis Channel, meanwhile, faces its own reputational challenges. In an industry where maintaining the trust of viewers and athletes is paramount, swift action was deemed necessary. By removing Wertheim from its coverage and issuing a public apology, the network is making clear its zero-tolerance stance on derogatory remarks, whether intentional or not.

Krejcikova’s call for change, however, reflects a broader issue within the sports media landscape. Female athletes, in particular, have long faced scrutiny over their looks rather than their talents. Krejcikova’s decision to speak out could ignite a larger conversation about the treatment of women in sports, pushing for a shift toward commentary that prioritises respect and recognition of athletes’ professional achievements.

As the WTA Finals continue in Riyadh, the incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with broadcasting to a global audience. In the high-stakes world of live sports coverage, a momentary lapse can have lasting consequences, both for the individual involved and the organisations they represent.