"Nick Kyrgios out when?";""Yet you'll play in Saudi Arabia" - Fans react as WTA comes out in support of Barbora Krejcikova amid controversy

The Women's Tennis Association issued a statement in support of Barbora Krejcikova after journalist Jon Wertheim made controversial remarks about her physical appearance earlier this week. Several fans reacted to the WTA's statement, referring to Wertheim’s comments as "inappropriate".

Krejcikova recently competed at the WTA Finals, where she reached the last four. While discussing the year-end championship in an interview on Tennis Channel, Wertheim made a contentious remark about Krejcikova, saying,

"What do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova. Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court. Eighthead."

Wertheim's comments were met by a response from the World No. 10. Krejcikova expressed disappointment at witnessing such unprofessional commentary. She wrote on X (formerly Twitter),

"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. As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary."

The Tennis Channel subsequently announced its decision to take Jon Wertheim off the air "indefinitely" due to his remarks on the Czech player.

The WTA meanwhile issued a statement in support of Krejcikova:

"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."

Several fans reacted to the WTA’s statement, with one making a remark about Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios. The former Wimbledon finalist has previously faced criticism from fans for seemingly aiming a dig at Russian player Anna Kalinskaya, whom he formerly dated.

"Kyrgios out from tennis commentary, when??" The fan wrote.

Some fans wrote about the choice of venue for the Finals, Saudi Arabia.

"Yet you'll play your Finals tournament in Saudi Arabia. Didn't patronize us, please. Your actions speak far louder than your words, WTA," a fan commented.

"Going after their appearance too was especially low," a fan said.

Here are some more reactions from fans:

"Then maybe can somebody explain how on earth NK is employed by any network still to this day after all he has said about women’s tennis ?" a fan commented.

"Just thinking that if Barbora hadn't spoken up about it, no one would have ever said anything. it's sad" one chimed in.

"Bloody hell, the WTA are a bit slow. Finally, they put a statement out 😭" a fan said.

Jon Wertheim had issued a statement of apology, following the controversy.

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Jon Wertheim issues apology to Barbora Krejcikova following his controversial remarks

WTA Finals 2024 - Day 2 - Source: Getty

Tennis journalist Jon Wertheim issued a public apology after being called out by two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova for his contentious remarks about her.

Wertheim called his comments "deeply regrettable" and stated that he had reached out to Krejcikova to apologize. He wrote on X,

"During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air. I acknowledge them. I apologize for them. I reached out immediately and apologized to the player."

Wertheim further wrote that while he made the comments in a "private rehearsal," he was "sorry."

Barbora Krejcikova reached the semifinals of the WTA Finals in Riyadh. However, the World No. 10's remarkable campaign came to an end with a loss to China's Zheng Qinwen in straight sets.