WTA chair apologises to Pegula for airing of 'diva' comment

WTA chair Valerie Camillo apologises to Jessica Pegula after her "diva" comment about Mirra Andreeva was live-streamed. Jessica Pegula is a member of the WTA players' council Women's Tennis Association chair Valerie Camillo has apologised to Jessica Pegula and said the live-streaming of private comments to her coach about fellow player Mirra Andreeva was "regrettable and unacceptable". American Pegula called Andreeva a "diva" in a private conversation with her coach after a practice session for the WTA Tour Finals on Wednesday. However, the comments were aired on a live stream after the WTA failed to tell players there were microphones on practice courts. World number five Pegula called the incident "unfortunate" and said the WTA players' council supported players' calls for more privacy.

Camillo said that all audio recording equipment in practice areas had since been removed as "clearly there was a failure in our technical execution and monitoring". "I want to specifically apologise to Jessica Pegula and [coach] Mark Knowles," she added. "What happened was regrettable and unacceptable. Jess is one of the WTA's best advocates and biggest stars. She does not deserve this distraction." Pegula was also heard saying French Open champion Andreeva "needs to be humbled" and her coach Conchita Martinez encourages her behaviour. A representative for Pegula said she had been in direct contact with those