WTA apologises after hot mic captures ‘diva’ remarks by Pegula about Andreeva

Jessica Pegula — in her conversations caught in the hot mic — had described Mirra Andreeva as “a diva”, and said ​she “needs to be ‌humbled. | Photo Credit: AP

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) on Thursday said it takes “full responsibility” for failing ​to inform players about active microphones on practice ‌courts after private comments by Jessica Pegula ​about Mirra Andreeva were broadcast during ⁠a livestream ahead of the season-ending WTA Finals.

Practice sessions at Indian Wells, California, were streamed on ‌the WTA’s YouTube channel this week before the tournament begins on Sunday, with ‌microphones capturing a conversation between world ‌No. 5 Pegula and her coach Mark ⁠Knowles.

In remarks that later circulated on social media, the American described French Open champion Andreeva as “a diva”, and said ​she “needs to be ‌humbled”. She also suggested coach Conchita Martinez encouraged the 19-year-old’s behaviour.

“The WTA takes full responsibility for failing to inform our players ‌and their teams that microphones, in place ​to give fans a livestream of the players’ practice, were active on ⁠the courts at the WTA Finals,” the governing body said in a statement.

The WTA subsequently ‌removed recordings of Wednesday’s practice sessions from YouTube, although clips of the exchange had already been widely shared online.

A representative for Pegula told The Athletic that the American had “absolutely no idea” her conversation was being livestreamed ‌and never expected a private discussion during practice to ​be made public. The representative added that Pegula had contacted those involved to ⁠apologise.

Pegula, a member of the WTA Players’ Council, ⁠also praised Andreeva in the conversation, describing the world No. 3 as “wonderful” and “smart”.

The ‌WTA Finals, being staged at Indian Wells for the first time, run through ​November 15.