Developing Sports

WTA apologizes after Pegula calls Andreeva a diva

Jessica Pegula accidentally called Mirra Andreeva a diva during a live-streamed practice at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells. The WTA and Pegula have apologized, and practice-court audio equipment has been removed.

Image from Illustration: WTA chair apologises to Pegula after private comment airedIllustration

The story so far

On 5 November 2026, Jessica Pegula was heard on a live stream from practice at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells. She called 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva a diva who needed to be humbled and criticized Andreeva's coach, Conchita Martinez. The WTA Tour said it took full responsibility for failing to inform players that microphones were active.

On 6 November 2026, Pegula privately contacted those involved to apologize. She had also praised Andreeva's talent while criticizing her interaction with Martinez. The WTA apologized for not ensuring players and coaches were properly informed about livestream equipment at Indian Wells.

Later on 6 November, WTA chair Valerie Camillo apologized to Pegula and Mark Knowles. She called the live stream regrettable and unacceptable and said audio equipment in practice areas had been removed. Pegula said the incident will help push for more player privacy.

Latest updates

3 updates · newest first
  1. 6 Nov
    New development

    WTA chair apologises to Pegula after private comment aired

    WTA chair Valerie Camillo apologised to Jessica Pegula and Mark Knowles after private comments about Mirra Andreeva were broadcast from a practice court at Indian Wells. Camillo called the live stream regrettable and unacceptable and said audio equipment in practice areas had been removed. Pegula, who called Andreeva a diva, said the incident will help push for more player privacy.

    BBC Sport ↗Yahoo Sports ↗Sky Sports ↗
  2. 6 Nov
    New development

    Pegula apologizes after calling Andreeva a diva

    Jessica Pegula privately contacted those involved to apologize after a private conversation in which she called Mirra Andreeva a diva was accidentally broadcast during a practice session at Indian Wells. The WTA apologized for failing to inform players that practice-court microphones were active. Pegula criticized Andreeva's interaction with coach Conchita Martinez while also praising the French Open champion's talent.

    Yahoo Sports ↗
  3. 5 Nov
    New development

    WTA apologizes after Pegula calls Andreeva a 'diva' on live mic

    The WTA Tour took 'full responsibility' for failing to inform players that microphones were active during practice at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells. Jessica Pegula was heard on a live stream calling 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva a 'diva' who 'needs to be humbled' and criticizing her coach Conchita Martinez. The WTA stated it sincerely apologized for not ensuring players and coaches were properly informed about the livestream equipment.

    Sky Sports ↗

Key facts

Pegula called 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva a diva on a live stream.Reported by Sky Sports, Yahoo Sports and BBC Sport
Pegula criticized Andreeva's coach Conchita Martinez.Reported by Sky Sports
The comments were heard during practice at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells.Reported by Sky Sports
The WTA apologized for failing to inform players that microphones were active.Reported by Sky Sports and Yahoo Sports
Pegula privately contacted those involved to apologize.Reported by Yahoo Sports
WTA chair Valerie Camillo said audio equipment in practice areas had been removed.Reported by BBC Sport, Yahoo Sports and Sky Sports

What’s still unknown

Whether more player privacy will result from the incident

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