Tennis journalist Jon Wertheim really could have avoided this unpleasant comment. The victim is Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, which is clear on social media.
Excitement in the tennis scene! An unobjective commentator about a player from the journalist Jon Wertheim, who is quite well known in the sport and who is also at Tennis Channel works as an expert, causes quite a stir.
Wertheim had before the semi-finals of the WTA Finals between the Czech Barbora Krejcikova and the Chinese Qinwen Zheng Tennis Channel Said the following: “Who do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova? Look at their foreheads as Krejcikova and Zheng enter the court. Eighthead.”
The journalist, who probably thought he wasn’t on-air at the time, was probably referring to the fact that his cell phone camera was initially very focused on his forehead, which he changed in these moments.
In English, “Eighthead” is an allusion to the word “forehead,” as “fore” is pronounced similarly to “four.” “Eight” therefore alludes to the fact that someone has a particularly large forehead.
Tennis star Krejcikova finds clear words
Wertheim’s dubious comment has now also reached Wimbledon champion Krejcikova, who now spoke out about it on X and was disappointed that the focus was not on her performance, but on her appearance.
“As an athlete dedicated to the sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional comment. “It’s not the first time something like this has happened in the world of sports,” wrote the two-time Grand Slam winner.
She often didn’t speak up about something like this, but now it’s time to “address the need for respect and professionalism in the sports media. These moments distract from the true essence of the sport and the dedication that all athletes demonstrate.”
Krejcikova disappointed – fans demand expulsion
Krejcikova further emphasized that she wants tennis to be “portrayed in a way that honors the commitment we make to competing at this level.”
Many tennis fans reacted much more emotionally to Wertheim’s statements. “More than disrespectful” and “unprofessional” are the most common accusations. Some others also demand drastic consequences, including expulsion.
There is still no statement from Wertheim or from Tennis Channel in addition.
