WTA Finals star posts angry statement urging for ‘respect’ after remarks on her appearance | Tennis | Sport

Barbora Krejcikova has released a statement in response to journalist Jon Wertheim appearing to insult her appearance before going live on the Tennis Channel.

Wertheim video-linked into the Tennis Channel studio during their coverage of the WTA Finals. Moments before the broadcast began, a clip shows him saying: “What do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova? Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng [Qinwen] take the court.”

Krejcikova pulled off impressive wins over Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff at the WTA Finals before ultimately crashing out in the semi-finals against Zheng.

After letting the dust settle for 48 hours, the 28-year-old has now posted a social media message calling for ‘respect and professionalism’ from the media.

“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,” Krejcikova wrote on X.

“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 honors the commitment we make to compete at this level.”

Krejcikova has enjoyed a solid 2024 season, beating Jasmine Paolini to lift her first Wimbledon title and finishing the year 13th in the WTA rankings.

Despite her string of impressive results, the Czech star was unable to add the WTA Finals to her collection. Krejcikova’s semi-final conqueror, Zheng, went on to be defeated by Gauff in a tense three-set finale on Saturday.

“This means a lot to me,” said the American, who banked a whopping £3.7million in prize money as a result of her triumph in Riyadh. “This is the first professional women’s tennis event here in Saudi Arabia and I’ll forever be etched in history in that standard.

“It was was a great match. I was just trying my best to hang in there and I never gave up.”