WTA chair apologises to Pegula after private ‘diva’ remarks broadcast

The chair of the Women’s Tennis Association has apologised to Jessica Pegula after a private conversation in which the American called fellow player Mirra Andreeva a “diva” was broadcast on a live stream from a practice court at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells.

Valerie Camillo called the incident “regrettable and unacceptable” and said recording equipment had been removed from practice areas. She said the WTA had failed to give players advance notice or put up clear signs that the area was being recorded.

Pegula, the world number five and a member of the WTA players’ council, had been speaking to her coach after a practice session on Wednesday. The conversation was broadcast despite the WTA not telling players that microphones were operating on the courts. Pegula was also heard saying Andreeva “needs to be humbled” and criticising Andreeva’s coach, Conchita Martinez.

“I want to specifically apologise to Jessica Pegula and [coach] Mark Knowles,” Camillo said. “Jess is one of the WTA’s best advocates and biggest stars. She does not deserve this distraction.”

Pegula described the incident as “unfortunate” and said the players’ council supported calls for more privacy. In an interview with ESPN, she said surveillance and audio access at tournaments had increased in recent years, and argued that the latest incident should renew pressure for greater player privacy.

The WTA has removed the YouTube streams of Wednesday’s practice sessions, but footage had already circulated on social media. The incident adds to recent concerns among players about being recorded outside matches: Coco Gauff called for more privacy after footage of her in the players’ area at the Australian Open was shared, while Iga Swiatek criticised behind-the-scenes cameras at the same tournament.