WTA Apologizes to Jess Pegula for Hot Mic Video, 'Failing to Inform' Players of Live Stream

The WTA apologized Thursday for placing live microphones on the practice court at the WTA Finals this week, unbeknownst to the players.

"The WTA takes full responsibility for failing to inform our players and their teams that microphones, in place to give fans a live stream of the players' practice, were active on the courts at the WTA Finals," the WTA said in a statement . "We sincerely apologize for failing to meet our responsibility to ensure players and coaches feel properly informed."

A portion of the video from the live streamed practice went viral Wednesday due to comments Jessica Pegula made about Mirra Andreeva.

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According to BBC Sport's Ben Collins , Pegula was heard calling Andreeva a "diva," and telling her coach that Andreeva "needs to be humbled."

Per Collins, Pegula's agent, Chris McCormack, said Pegula was "completely unaware" of the presence of microphones or that the practice was being live-streamed.

McCormack added that Pegula "has since been in direct contact with those involved, which she felt was important to do personally rather than through the media."

In addition to her critiques of Andreeva, Pegula also praised her ability as a player during the live-streamed practice, saying, "She moves like a cat. She's wonderful. She's got the perfect serve. She's smart. She anticipates well."

Pegula, 32, is the No. 5-ranked player in women's tennis. Although she has won 11 career WTA singles tournaments, Pegula is still in search of her first Grand Slam title.

A loss in the 2024 U.S. Open final is the closest the daughter of Buffalo Bills and Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula has come to a Grand Slam championship thus far.

The 19-year-old Andreeva is ranked No. 3 in the world, and she won her first career Grand Slam title earlier this year at the French Open.

Pegula and Andreeva have never faced each other in singles competition, although that could potentially come to an end at the 2026 WTA Finals being held at Indian Wells in California.

While Pegula and Andreeva are in different groups, there is a chance they could meet in the semifinals or finals if both of them advance.

Pegula will begin play at the WTA Finals on Sunday against fellow American Coco Gauff, while Andreeva will take on Elina Svitolina on Monday.