WTA Takes Responsibility After Pegula's Comments About Andreeva Aired Live

WTA said it took "full responsibility" for failing to inform players that microphones were live during training sessions broadcast ahead of the season-ending WTA Finals. The training sessions, held in Indian Wells, California, were published on the WTA's YouTube channel this week. The microphones recorded a conversation between Pegula, the world number five, and her coach Mark Knowles.

In comments that later spread on social media, the American player used the word "diva" for French Open champion Andreeva and said the player "needs to be humble." Pegula also suggested that Andreeva's coach, Conchita Martinez, supported the player's behavior. Andreeva is 19 years old.

A representative for Pegula told The Athletic that her client did not know the conversation was being broadcast live and did not expect a private discussion during training to be made public. The statement said Pegula had contacted those involved in the conversation and apologized. Pegula, a member of the WTA Players Council, also described world number three Andreeva as "wonderful" and "smart" in the same conversation.

The WTA removed the recordings of Wednesday's training sessions from its YouTube channel. However, clips from the conversation had already been widely shared online. The WTA Finals are being held in Indian Wells for the first time. The tournament begins on Sunday and runs until November 15.