The WTA apologized on Thursday for placing live microphones on the practice court during this week’s WTA Finals, without the players’ knowledge.
“The WTA takes full responsibility for failing to inform our players and their teams that microphones, set up to give fans a live broadcast of players’ training, were active on courts during the WTA Finals,” the WTA said in a statement. “We sincerely apologize for failing to fulfill our responsibility to ensure that players and coaches feel properly informed.”
Part of the video of the live-streamed workout went viral on Wednesday due to Jessica Pegula’s comments about Mirra Andreeva.
According to BBC Sport’s Ben Collins, Pegula was heard calling Andreeva a “diva” and telling her coach that Andreeva “needs to be humiliated.”
Per Collins, Pegula’s agent, Chris McCormack, said Pegula was “completely unaware” of the presence of microphones or that the practice was being broadcast live.
McCormack added that Pegula “has since been in direct contact with those involved, which she felt was important to do personally rather than through the media.”
In addition to her criticism of Andreeva, Pegula also praised her playing abilities during the live-streamed practice, saying: “She moves like a cat. She’s wonderful. She has the perfect serve. She’s smart. She anticipates well.”
Pegula, 32, is the fifth player in women’s tennis. Even though she has won 11 career WTA singles tournaments, Pegula is still looking for her first Grand Slam title.
A loss in the 2024 US Open final is the closest the daughter of Buffalo Bills and Sabers owners Terry and Kim Pegula has come to a Grand Slam championship so far.
Andreeva, 19, is ranked world No. 3 and she won her first career Grand Slam title earlier this year at Roland Garros.
Pegula and Andreeva have never faced each other in singles action, although that could potentially end at the 2026 WTA Finals to be held in Indian Wells, California.
Although Pegula and Andreeva are in different groups, there is a chance they could meet in the semi-final or final if they both qualify.
Pegula will begin the WTA Finals against fellow American Coco Gauff on Sunday, while Andreeva faces Elina Svitolina on Monday.
Gn sports
