WTA chair apologises after Pegula’s private ‘diva’ remark was live-streamed

Valerie Camillo, chair of the WTA, apologised to Jessica Pegula after a private conversation in which Pegula called Mirra Andreeva a "diva" was broadcast during practice for the WTA Tour Finals on Wednesday at Indian Wells. The comments were captured and aired because players were not made aware microphones were active on the practice courts.

Pegula, a member of the WTA players' council, described the incident as "unfortunate" and said the players' council supported calls for greater privacy. A representative for Pegula said she had been in direct contact with those involved and had been "completely unaware" the conversation could be heard by courtside microphones.

During the exchange that was aired, Pegula was heard saying Andreeva "needs to be humbled" and that her coach Conchita Martinez encourages her behaviour. The footage from Wednesday's practice sessions at Indian Wells was streamed on YouTube before the WTA removed those streams; copies of the footage had already circulated on social media.

Camillo said all audio recording equipment in practice areas had since been removed as "clearly there was a failure in our technical execution and monitoring" and added: "I want to specifically apologise to Jessica Pegula and [coach] Mark Knowles." She also said: "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 addressed the matter in an interview with ESPN, saying: "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," and adding: "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." She also said: "I think [this will] definitely reignite the topic and, hopefully, we can unfortunately use this incident to keep pushing for more player privacy."

None of the players were asked about the incident at the pre-tournament news conference at Indian Wells on Friday. Coco Gauff has previously called for more privacy after she was filmed in the players' area smashing a racquet following a defeat by Elina Svitolina in the Australian Open quarter-finals in January, and Iga Swiatek said players were being watched "like animals in the zoo" at the same major.

The WTA has removed the YouTube streams of the practice sessions and, according to Camillo, taken down audio equipment from practice areas while it reviews procedures; Camillo said: "The WTA is sensitive to player privacy and has policies and procedures in place to balance players' needs for safe spaces with opportunities to bring fans closer to the game. "There was a lack of advanced notice and clear signage to assist players about the recording equipment operating in the area."