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World number five Jessica Pegula described teenager Mirra Andreeva as “a diva” during a private conversation that was inadvertently broadcast via a live-streamed practice session. The incident occurred at Indian Wells, California, where the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) was streaming practice sessions ahead of the WTA Finals.
Private Comments Caught on Microphone
While speaking with her coach, Mark Knowles, Pegula was recorded using expletives to describe the Russian teenager. Pegula suggested that Andreeva “needs to be humbled” and claimed that Andreeva’s coach, Conchita Martinez, encourages the player’s behavior. The audio captured Pegula noting that both Andreeva and Martinez complained throughout their practice session, despite Andreeva winning every game.
Pegula, a member of the WTA players’ council, also offered praise for the young athlete, calling her “wonderful,” “smart,” and noting that she “moves like a cat.” She further compared Andreeva to Coco Gauff, stating that if Andreeva possessed Gauff’s mentality, she would be a superior player. Pegula remarked, “The serve, everything, all-around, and she moves just as good. But like mentally, she’s…”
Chris McCormack, Pegula’s agent, told BBC Sport that the player was “completely unaware” that her conversation was audible, let alone being broadcast to the public. “Naturally it’s been an unfortunate situation for everyone involved,” McCormack stated. He added that Pegula has since reached out personally to those involved to address the matter.
WTA Response and Broader Privacy Concerns
Following the incident, the WTA removed the YouTube streams of the practice sessions, though clips have circulated on social media. The WTA Finals, which are being held at Indian Wells for the first time, are scheduled to run until November 15.
This event follows previous concerns raised by players regarding the presence of cameras during private moments. Pegula had previously criticized the use of additional behind-the-scenes cameras at the Australian Open, labeling the practice an “invasion of privacy” that makes players feel as though they are “under a microscope constantly.”
Separate Incident Involving Elena Rybakina
During the same period of live-streamed practice sessions, world number one Elena Rybakina was seen in an tense exchange with her coach, Stefano Vukov. As they walked toward the net to meet opponent Linda Noskova, Rybakina was heard telling Vukov, “Stay here. I’m talking to you. Can you stand here?”
Vukov, who had been suspended by the WTA in February 2025 following an investigation into his conduct toward Rybakina, returned to her team in August. Pegula and Andreeva are currently placed in different groups for the WTA Finals but remain potential opponents in the semi-finals or the final.
