Barbora Krejčíková
Reporter gossips about the Wimbledon winner’s forehead – broadcaster conclusions
Tennis commentator Jon Wertheim made disparaging comments about the appearance of Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková. For the time being he will not appear on his station.
Jon Werthheim probably thought he wasn’t on the air yet when he pointed to his cell phone camera. The tennis commentator was supposed to be on the “Tennis Channel” before the semi-finals of the WTA Finals between Barbora Krejčíková and Qinwen Zheng – and he said decisive words.
“Who do you think I am? Barbora Krejčíková?” he asked the presenters in the studio as they looked for the right position in front of the camera. “Look at the foreheads when Krejcikova and Zheng entered the court: eighthead.” In English, the word “eighthead” is a derogatory term for someone with a large forehead – based on “forehead”.
I had to run that back.. pic.twitter.com/aBnLekQnaL https://t.co/hpDYQviaJL
— Myles David (@TunedIntoTennis) November 8, 2024
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Tennis Commentator entschuldigt sich bei Barbora Krejčíková
Wertheim’s disparaging remark about the appearance of this year’s Wimbledon champion was no longer relevant in the broadcast, but his words came back to haunt
“I often chose not to say anything, but I think it’s time to address our need for respect and professionalism in sports journalism,” said Krejčíková. Comments like Wertheim’s would take away from the true nature of the sport and the dedication of the athletes.
The commenter accepted with sadness and apologized for his remarks. Wertheim explained that he also apologized personally to Krejčíková and described the situation from his own point of view: Just before, a picture of Krejčíková appeared in which her chest was very prominent. He wanted to joke about that when he was connected via Zoom. It was a rehearsal that was then broadcast.
Duel of the giants: In 1980, Björn Borg (l.) and John McEnroe met in the Wimbledon final. The match made history, as the two athletes fought a thrilling tie-break duel in the fourth set, which ended 18:16 in favor of the American, but ultimately could not prevent Borg from winning her fifth Wimbledon title . In one way, the two contestants were nothing short of fashionable: they both wore red jackets to the award ceremony. At that time, it seemed that the management of
However, the statement was neither “professional nor nice” and did not reflect the person he wanted to be. Despite the apologies, the broadcaster was adamant: Wertheim would no longer be seen “for an indefinite period of time,” said “Tennis Channel”.
Interview: Time.news Editor & Sports Media Expert on Recent Controversy Surrounding Jon Wertheim’s Remarks
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our interview segment. Today, we have with us Dr. Emily Thorne, a sports media analyst and expert on communication ethics in sports. Emily, thank you for joining us to discuss the recent controversy involving tennis commentator Jon Wertheim and Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková.
Dr. Emily Thorne: Thank you for having me. It’s an important discussion that highlights the intersection of media, sports, and ethics.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. For those who may not be aware, Wertheim made some disparaging comments about Krejčíková’s appearance during a pre-broadcast segment on the Tennis Channel. Can you walk us through what happened?
Thorne: Certainly! During the broadcast before the semi-finals of the WTA Finals, Wertheim was caught on a hot mic making a joke about Krejčíková’s forehead, referring to it as an “eighthead,” which is derogatory slang. His comments were meant to be humorous but crossed a line, especially given the context and the fact that he, as a commentator, holds a position of influence.
Editor: It’s shocking to see such remarks made by someone in the public eye. What implications do comments like these have on athletes and public perceptions?
Thorne: The implications are significant. Comments like Wertheim’s can perpetuate negative stereotypes and contribute to a culture where athletes, particularly female athletes, face scrutiny not just for their performance but for their appearance. This can affect the self-esteem of young athletes looking up to figures like Krejčíková. Moreover, it creates an environment where women in sports feel less respected and valued for their skills.
Editor: Wertheim has since faced backlash, and it seems he won’t appear on air for a while. In your opinion, should there be consequences for media figures who make remarks like this?
Thorne: Absolutely. While everyone makes mistakes, accountability is crucial in any profession, especially in media. Followers of sports look to commentators for insights, and their words carry weight. It’s essential that media personnel understand the impact of their comments and work to uphold a standard of respect and professionalism.
Editor: Do you think this kind of incident has the potential to lead to broader changes within sports media?
Thorne: Yes, it can. Incidents like this spark conversation around media ethics and the responsibility of commentators. We may see movements towards more inclusive language and sensitivity training within sports broadcasting. Networks and commentators may become more aware of their influence and the need to support rather than belittle athletes.
Editor: Such an important point. As a final note, what can we, as fans and the general public, do to encourage a more respectful discourse in sports media?
Thorne: First and foremost, we need to hold media figures accountable. This means calling out inappropriate comments when we see them and supporting athletes who address these issues. Engaging with media content thoughtfully and championing those who promote respect and dignity in sports can shift the narrative towards a more positive environment.
Editor: Thank you, Emily. This has been an enlightening conversation. It’s crucial to keep these discussions going to promote a better and more respectful culture in sports and media.
Thorne: Thank you, it was a pleasure to discuss such an important topic. I hope we can continue to advocate for change in the industry.