To an extent I think that's part of the point here - the comments themselves aren't objectively bad, which means the discussion can focus on the principle itself, that as a professional sportswoman she wasn't being talked about for her performance or ability but for her appearance.
What undermines that commentary in this case is that he was, to an extent, talking about his own appearance and then using hers as a reference - it's still talking about her for her appearance, but it's not as immediately judgemental as doing so mid-stream in a commentary as a direct 'judgement'.
O.
