"He stepped in sh*t" - Andy Roddick makes his feelings clear about podcast co-host's controversial comment on Barbora Krejcikova's physical appearance

Andy Roddick has weighed in on the controversy involving his podcast co-host and tennis journalist Jon Wertheim's comment about Barbora Krejcikova's physical appearance. The former World No. 1 also gave Wertheim the opportunity to elaborate on his public apology and take responsibility for his actions.

During his coverage for the 2024 WTA Finals on the Tennis Channel, Wertheim came under fire for taking a dig at the size of Krecjikova's forehead after his remark was inadvertently aired live.

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

In response, Barbora Krejcikova took to social media and expressed her disappointment with the "unprofessional commentary" and called for "respect and professionalism in sports media." Subsequently, Jon Wertheim issued a public apology, taking accountability for his "deeply regrettable" comments.

Given Wertheim's role as co-host on the 'Served with Andy Roddick' podcast, the former World No. 1 also addressed the issue in a clip on social media. Taking pride in tackling "uncomfortable topics" in the sport, Roddick shared his perspective on his "partner-in-crime," making a misstep with his comments.

"Listen, if you are a listener of the show, I think you know that we generally pride ourselves on leaning into uncomfortable topics in tennis, potentially weird situations. That doesn't end when it's one of us," Andy Roddick said.

"I'm not sure how much you all have been following, but our good friend, my co-host, my partner in crime Jon Wertheim said something on a hot mic, no one was aware that they were on a hot mic, he has gotten into some trouble," he added.

Despite acknowledging his personal connection to Jon Wertheim, Andy Roddick emphasized that his co-host had crossed the line. Disclosing that Wertheim had been "sick to his stomach" by the fallout, the former World No. 1 gave him the platform to speak openly.

"I know Jon well. Obviously, I know the benefit of the doubt, I know how he is as a person. I also know that he stepped in sh*t. I said I'd come on, and we have to acknowledge it even when it's not comfortable. He was more than willing to say, 'I should be the one to speak to the Served listeners directly.' He did put out an apology," Andy Roddick said.

Wertheim, meanwhile, conceded that he had behaved like a "jacka**," expressing his deep remorse for his actions. Although the 54-year-old hoped that his career wouldn't be defined by his "worst act," he acknowledged that he had erred significantly.

"I really wish we were talking about tennis but if we are going to be transparent and hold people accountable for acting like jacka**es when one of us acts like a jacka**. In this case, that would be me. We need to make ourselves present and accountable," Wertheim said.

"I'm full of regret and remorse and apology. It's not been a great weekend. At some level, you'd like to hop that context mattered a little. And at some level, you'd like to hope body of work matters. You don't get defined by your worst act but like you say, I stepped in it," he added.

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Tennis journalist Jon Wertheim apologizes to Andy Roddick for his "uncharitable remark" about Barbora Krejcikova

Andy Roddick (Source: Getty)

Tennis journalist Jon Wertheim disclosed that he had reached out to Barbora Krejcikova and apologized to her directly, through the Czech's agent, who was a good friend. He also shared his intention to apologize to Krejcikova in person when he got the opportunity, acknowledging that she didn't deserve to hear such remarks about her physical appearance amid her great season.

"I said a very uncharitable remark, meant as self-deprecation, but it involved a photo of another player, it was Barbora Krejcikova. I reached out to her and apologized as soon as this became a thing," Wertheim said.

"Barbora's traveling right now but I have every expectation we will sit down and I will be able to apologize in person. She doesn't need this sh*t honestly. She won Wimbledon, she had a great season. She just finished up a nice tournament in Riyadh. She doesn't need to pick up her phone and hea about some jacka** broadcaster on a hot mic and I feel bad," he added.

Wertheim also extended a heartfelt apology to Andy Roddick, asserting that he wished that their podcast update revolved around the WTA Finals and the ATP Finals instead of the controversy.

"And I apologize to you (Andy Roddick), you and I have have built something special here and I wish we were talking about Riyadh and Turin and not some hot mic crap," he said.

Jon Wertheim further conveyed his regrets to the tennis community, disclosing that he was prepared to deal with the consequences of his actions.