Tennis star Pegula caught calling rival Andreeva a 'diva'

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 14:52 · Archive

Jessica Pegula was caught on a live microphone calling 19-year-old rival Mirra Andreeva a 'diva' who 'needs to be humbled'.

Jessica Pegula was caught on a microphone during a practice session at Indian Wells saying that 19-year-old rival Mirra Andreeva is a 'diva' who 'needs to be humbled'. The American, world number five, made the comments while speaking to her coach Mark Knowles during the session, which was being live-streamed by the Women's Tennis Association before the WTA Tour Finals.

Pegula said she had 'lost a little respect' for Andreeva's coach Conchita Martínez, French Open champion Andreeva's trainer. According to the BBC, Pegula said Martínez 'eggs on' Andreeva's behaviour. The comments included expletives and were picked up by a courtside microphone. The WTA subsequently removed the YouTube streams of the practice sessions, but footage has been shared on social media.

Andreeva, ranked world number three, has gained a reputation for fiery displays on court. At Wimbledon this year she smashed her rackets, snapped at the umpire and her team, and left the court in tears after losing in the second round. However, the BBC reports that Pegula also praised Andreeva on the microphone, describing her as 'wonderful' and 'smart'. The WTA Tour Finals are being held at Indian Wells for the first time and run until 15 November.

How it is being reported

• Jessica Pegula caught on hot mic eviscerating ‘diva’ Mirra AndreevaAmerican tennis pro Jessica Pegula let it rip on Russian pro Mirra Andreeva during a recent practice session at Indian Wells.New York Post · 5 Nov, 14:45
• Pegula calls Andreeva 'a diva' after practice sessionWorld number five Jessica Pegula calls Mirra Andreeva "a diva" in comments heard on a live stream after a practice session with the Russian teenager.BBC News · 5 Nov, 14:12
• Tennis billionaire heiress Jessica Pegula is caught on hot mic saying 19-year-old rival Mirra Andreeva is a 'diva who needs to be humbled'Andreeva has gained a reputation for her fiery temperament - at Wimbledon she smashed her rackets, snapped at the umpire and her team, said 'I quit,' and left the court in tears after losing.Daily Mail Sport · 5 Nov, 09:36

In this story: Jessica Pegula · Mirra Andreeva · Conchita Martínez · Indian Wells · Women's Tennis Association

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log