Andy Roddick admits his sidekick ‘stepped in s***’ as Barbora Krejcikova controversy takes a big twist
Former world No 1 Andy Roddick has posted a quickfire version of his hugely popular Served podcast after one of his key contributors was caught up in a major storm over comments made while he was working for The Tennis Channel.
Journalist Jon Wertheim made the unfortunate comments during the Tennis Channel’s preview for Barbora Krejcikova’s semi-final clash against Zheng Qinwen at the season-ending tournament in Riyadh.
The respected journalist was unaware that he was live on air and in a clip shared on social media he is overheard saying: “Who do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova? Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court. Eighthead.”
Wertheim was quick to post an apology as he wrote: “During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air. I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out immediately and apologised to the player.
“What happened? I joined the show by Zoom. In rehearsal, we were shown a graphic of a player who had just competed. It showed her at an angle that exaggerated her forehead. A few moments later, I was told to frame up my zoom.
“I looked at the low camera angle and joked that it made my forehead resemble the forehead of the player in question.
“Someone in the control room chimed in and I bantered back. Though this was a private rehearsal, this exchange inadvertently, and without context, made it to live air.
“I realise: I know I am not the victim here. It was neither professional nor charitable of the person I strive to be. I am accountable. I own this. I am sorry.”
Reigning Wimbledon Grand Slam winner Krejcikova’s responded to the comments as she posted a message on her X account.
“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,” she wrote.
“As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional behaviour.
“This is not the first time something like this has happened in the world of sports. I have often chosen not to speak, but I believe it is time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media.
“These moments distract from the true essence of the sport and the dedication that all athletes put on the field. I deeply love tennis and want to see it represented in a way that honours the commitment we undertake to compete at this level.”
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Now this story has taken a big twist after The Tennis Channel confirmed they are removing Wertheim from their line-up of guests ‘indefinitely’.
“When Tennis Channel became aware of an inappropriate comment about a professional tennis player made by our analyst Jon Wertheim on Friday, we immediately removed him from our air indefinitely,” read a statement from The Tennis Channel. “The network also apologized to the player, Barbora Krejcikova, as did Jon.
“Jon has dedicated his career to shining a light on and growing this sport and has been a valued member of our family and the tennis community.
“That said, Tennis Channel holds its employees to a standard of respectfulness for others at all times, a standard that was not met in this moment.”
— Served with Andy Roddick (@Served_Podcast) November 10, 2024
Roddick and the Serve podcast team posted a message that appeared on their social media channels, with Wertheim appearing in person to offer another apology to Krejcikova, with Roddick his colleague had ‘stepped in s***’ with his comments.
“If you are a listener of the show, we pride ourselves in leading into uncomfortable topics in tennis,” said Roddick. “That doesn’t end when it’s one of us.
“Our good friend, my co-host, my partner-in-crime Jon Wertheim said something on a hot mic. No one was aware they were on a hot mic.
“I know he is as a person. I also know he stepped in s***. I said we have to come on and acknowledge it, even when it’s not comfortable.”
Wertheim proceeded to make a fulsome apology for his mistake, as he confirmed he was keen to speak to Krejcikova in person when he had the right opportunity.
He also added he was ‘full of regret and remorse’ and wanted to ‘apologise to tennis’ as he was clearly shell-shocked by a mistake that will come with a big price.
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