Courtside microphone caught Jessica Pegula’s ‘diva’ comment about Andreeva; WTA apologises over broadcast

Livestream captured private conversation

A WTA YouTube livestream from an Indian Wells practice court carried a conversation between Pegula and her coach, Mark Knowles. The United States player was heard calling Russian player Mirra Andreeva a “diva”.

Pegula, the world number four, also criticised Andreeva’s coach, former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez, for not addressing Andreeva’s behaviour. Andreeva is the French Open champion and was 19 years old.

WTA cites execution failures

Camillo said players lacked advance warning and clear signage about recording equipment in the area. She said microphones had been intended to capture ambient sounds, including balls being struck, rather than conversations between players and coaches.

Apology and equipment removal

Camillo apologised on behalf of the WTA and directly to Pegula and Knowles. She called what happened regrettable and unacceptable, and said Pegula did not deserve the distraction.

The WTA has removed all audio recording equipment from practice areas, Camillo said. She described a failure in the organisation’s technical execution and monitoring.

WTA Finals format

The WTA Finals begin on Sunday. The top eight women’s singles players are divided into two groups of four for round-robin matches. Players then advance to the knockout rounds.