WTA apologizes after Pegula practice conversation is broadcast

The WTA apologized after acknowledging it failed to tell players and their teams that microphones were active during practice livestreams at the WTA Finals, allowing a private conversation between Jessica Pegula and her coach to be broadcast. The tour removed the recordings, but clips had already circulated online. Pegula, speaking with coach Mark Knowles after a practice session involving Mirra Andreeva, criticized the 19-year-old and her coach, Conchita Martinez. In the recording, Pegula called Andreeva a diva who needed to be humbled and said she had lost respect for Martinez. She also praised Andreeva’s tennis ability, describing her as smart and comparing her favorably with Coco Gauff if she had Gauff’s mentality. The WTA said it took responsibility for failing to ensure players and coaches were properly informed that microphones were active. Its apology addressed the failure to notify them; it did not confirm that every player was unaware of the recording. A tour source said practice livestreams would continue during the tournament without audio. Pegula’s representative said she had no idea the conversation was being livestreamed and had contacted those involved to...