WTA chair apologises to Pegula for airing of ‘diva’ comment

The WTA has apologised to Jessica Pegula after private comments she made about fellow player Mirra Andreeva were broadcast during a live stream of practice. The association said players had not been told microphones were operating on the courts, calling the broadcast regrettable and unacceptable.

Pegula, ranked fifth in the world, was heard calling Andreeva a “diva” and saying she “needs to be humbled”; she was unaware the conversation could be heard. WTA chair Valerie Camillo said the association had removed audio recording equipment from practice areas and apologised to Pegula and her coach, Mark Knowles. Pegula said the incident highlighted wider concerns about player privacy and surveillance at tournaments.