Split image of Jessica Pegula and Mirra Andreeva

WTA Apologizes for Live-Streaming Pegula’s Comments on Andreeva

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The Women’s Tennis Association has taken “full responsibility” for not informing players that microphones were active on practice courts, after private comments made by world number five Jessica Pegula about fellow player Mirra Andreeva were live-streamed. In a private conversation with her coach Mark Knowles during a session at Indian Wells, California, Pegula described Andreeva as “a diva” and said the French Open champion “needs to be humbled”, also commenting that Andreeva’s coach, Conchita Martinez, encourages her behaviour.

The WTA has since removed the YouTube streams of Wednesday’s practice sessions, though the footage had already been shared on social media.

Pegula Calls Andreeva a Diva After Practice Session Goes Live at Indian Wells

Association Apologises for Microphones

During the live-streamed practice session, Pegula could be heard criticising Andreeva and her coach. “I lost respect for her. She’s a good girl, but she needs to mature,” Pegula said.

WTA Apologizes for Live-Streaming Pegula's Comments on Andreeva
Photo: Tennis365

Context of the WTA Finals

The incident occurred before the start of the season-ending WTA Finals, which is being held at Indian Wells for the first time from November 8 to 15. Pegula, who is a member of the WTA players’ council, also praised Andreeva in the conversation, calling the world number three “wonderful” and “smart”. Pegula and Andreeva have been drawn in opposite groups for the tournament and have not yet commented publicly on the incident. Whether the two players will face each other in the knockout rounds remains to be seen.

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