WTA’s statement after Barbora Krejcikova blasted analyst for mocking

The WTA fully stood behind Barbora Krejcikova after the Czech tennis star called out a Tennis Channel for making fun of her body appearance. 

In case you missed it, the world No. 10 took to X on Sunday to call out Jon Wertheim for making insulting comments about her appearance. As the 28-year-old and Zheng Qinwen were about to hit the court for their semifinal in Riyadh, Wertheim said this while presumably not knowing that he was on air: “Who do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova? Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court.”

After it went viral on social media and the analyst started receiving criticism, the reigning Wimbledon champion also noticed it and didn’t hide that she felt extremely disrespected by what was said about her. Tennis Channel responded by apologizing to the former world No. 2 and also indefinitely removing Wertheim from the network. 

Now, the WTA is also siding with Krejcikova’s position.

“There is no place in sport for inappropriate comments about female athletes. 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 WTA said in a statement.

Statement from the WTA:

There is no place in sport for inappropriate comments about female athletes. 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…

— wta (@WTA) November 10, 2024

Krejcikova: It was disappointing and unprofessional commentary

After listening to what was said about her during Tennis Channel’s WTA Finals coverage, the two-time Grand Slam champion pretty much suggested that it was disappointing and sad to see someone focusing on an athlete’s appearance rather than performance. Also, the Czech said that one of the reasons she was disappointed was the fact that it wasn’t the first time seeing…