WTA takes blame after Pegula comments on Andreeva get livestreamed
Dawn · Reuters ·
Pegula had "absolutely no idea" her court-side conversation was being broadcast, during which she described Andreeva as "a diva".
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.
The WTA streamed practice sessions at Indian Wells, California, on its YouTube channel this week before the tournament begins on Sunday, with microphones capturing a conversation between world number five 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.