Barbora Krejcikova Fires Back at Renowned Journalist’s Disrespectful Comments Amid the WTA Finals in Riyadh

Barbora Krejčíková’s victory over Coco Gauff in the WTA Finals group stage was a significant achievement. However, her momentum was halted by a surprising SF loss to China’s Qinwen Zheng, who secured a spot in the final. To further complicate matters, a video from the Tennis Channel emerged on social media, adding another layer of disappointment to Krejčíková’s tournament. The tennis player from Czechia has now found the perfect words to respond!

On Friday afternoon, while preparing for a live appearance on TC Live, Tennis Channel commentator Marc Wertheim was caught on a hot mic making derogatory comments about women’s tennis players Barbora Krejčíková and Zheng Qinwen. The incident took place during a live broadcast of the WTA Finals Riyadh doubles semifinals. His remarks, “What do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova. Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court. Eighthead,” quickly drew backlash from fans and tennis enthusiasts, who claimed the comments to be “unprofessional”. .

As soon as Krejcikova came across the comment, she didn’t hesitate to give it back to the journalist. On Sunday, she addressed the issue head on, posting, “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 (cont.).”

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 (cont.)

— Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 10, 2024

Krejcikova continued in a follow-up post, highlighting how these types of remarks detract from the core of sports. “2/3 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 (cont.)” If you think that’s all, she isn’t done yet.

Krejcikova wrapped up her statement with a heartfelt tweet, saying, “3/3 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.” While the off-court drama made headlines, Krejcikova’s performance on the court also drew attention.

China’s Zheng Qinwen knocked her out of the WTA Finals semifinals in a straight-set loss, 6-3, 7-5. Zheng took control early in the match, breaking Krejcikova’s serve to go up 3-0. Although Krejcikova fought hard, saving three set points while down 5-2, Zheng went on to win the next game to love and take the first set with ease.

Zheng started the second set strong, taking a 3-0 lead with two breaks of serve. However, Krejcikova fought back, winning four consecutive games to level the set at 5-5. Zheng regained momentum, breaking Krejcikova’s serve and serving for the match. Despite saving one match point, Krejcikova ultimately fell to Zheng.

Well, this wasn’t the first time when controversial comments erupted over Krejcikova. At that time, she had a defender!

When Serena Williams’ ex-coach defended Barbora Krejčíková against hateful comments

Former doubles No. 1 and Serena Williams‘ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs expressed her admiration for Barbora Krejčíková’s performance at the WTA Finals. Just a day before Barbora’s SFs match, Stubbs highlighted the Czech star’s potential to win the entire tournament and therefore advised other players to be cautious. As a two-time Grand Slam Krejcikova showed her class in the competition, and Stubbs believed her momentum could carry her to victory.

“I’m telling ya. When @BKrejcikova gets a roll on, look out!!!!! She’ll probably win the whole damn thing now,” Stubbs tweeted. Stubbs also defended Krejcikova from critics who doubted her 2024 Wimbledon Championship win. Many had questioned Krejcikova’s success at the prestigious event, but Stubbs firmly dismissed those criticisms. “Also, where is the dude that asked ‘how did Krejcikova win Wimbledon’ at???” she added, showing strong support for Krejcikova’s accomplishments.

After felling short to Gauff in the event’s SFs, Barbora said, “I’m really happy with the way that I played. Being able to qualify for the Finals(in 2021) and also reach the semi-finals(this year), it’s something unimaginable before this tournament. I’m very proud of myself and I’m looking forward to the new challenges,” in her post match conference. This was her second appearance at the tournament.

Stubbs’ backing came as a reminder of Krejcikova’s undeniable talent and resilience on the court. While another controversy has emerged, this time at a bigger scale, it is evident that Barbora has got her own back his time!

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