WTA Chair Apologises to Pegula Over ‘Diva’ Comment Livestream

Women’s Tennis Association chair Valerie Camillo has apologised to Jessica Pegula and described the live-streaming of private comments to her coach about fellow player Mirra Andreeva as “regrettable and unacceptable”.

American Pegula called Andreeva a “diva” in a private conversation with her coach, Mark Knowles, after a practice session ahead of the WTA Finals on Wednesday.

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However, the comments were broadcast during a live stream after the WTA failed to inform players that microphones were active on practice courts.

World number five Pegula described the incident as “unfortunate” and said the WTA Players’ Council supported calls for greater privacy.

Camillo said all audio recording equipment in practice areas had since been removed, acknowledging that the governing body had failed in its technical execution and monitoring.

“I want to specifically apologise to Jessica Pegula and Mark Knowles,” she added.

“What happened was regrettable and unacceptable. Jess is one of the WTA’s best advocates and biggest stars. She does not deserve this distraction.”

Pegula was also heard saying French Open champion Andreeva “needs to be humbled” and that her coach, Conchita Martinez, encourages her behaviour.

However, the American also praised the Russian teenager’s tennis ability, describing her as wonderful, smart and talented.

A representative for Pegula said she had been in direct contact with those involved and was “completely unaware” that the conversation could be heard by courtside microphones.

None of the players were asked about the incident during the pre-tournament news conference, but Pegula addressed it in an interview with ESPN.

“I think it’s something that we have fought a lot over the last couple years as there’s a lot more surveillance and audio and access to the players at tournaments than there has been in the past,” she said.

“I know for broadcasting that it’s great for fans, but I think we’ve seen a couple incidents now throughout the year, [the] last couple of years really, where it just seems highly unnecessary.

“I think [this will] definitely reignite the topic and, hopefully, we can unfortunately use this incident to keep pushing for more player privacy.”

Pegula’s compatriot Coco Gauff called for greater privacy after she was captured in the players’ area smashing a racquet following a defeat by Elina Svitolina in the Australian Open quarter-finals in January.

At the same major, six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek said players were being watched “like animals in the zoo” by behind-the-scenes cameras.

YouTube streams of Wednesday’s practice sessions at Indian Wells have since been removed by the WTA, although footage had already been shared on social media.

Camillo said the WTA had policies and procedures designed to balance players’ need for private spaces with opportunities to bring fans closer to the game.

She acknowledged that there had been a lack of advance notice and clear signage to inform players about recording equipment operating in the area.